Abstract
Vol.43 No.1
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Vitrification and warming of human embryos: from conventional methods to shortened protocols
JMOR, 43(1) 23-31, 2026
The transition of human oocyte and embryo cryopreservation techniques from slow-freezing to vitrification has led to survival rates approaching 100%, resulting in a global increase in the proportion of freeze-all cycles and vitrified-warmed embryo transfers. The vitrification and warming protocols currently in use have been implemented in ART centers worldwide for nearly two decades and can be considered an established technique. However, with the recent advancement and diversification of ART, there is a growing demand to improve the efficiency of the IVF laboratory workflow. In particular, the simplification of vitrification and warming procedures, which has been reported in the last few years, is gaining attention as a technique to enhance laboratory efficiency while maintaining embryo survivability, as well as developmental and implantation potential. This review first describes the standard vitrification and warming procedures, then, including data from our center, focuses on the simplification of protocols which have been reported in recent years, especially the shortened warming protocol, and report on their efficacy.
