Institute of Life. Leading the Way in Assisted Reproduction in Europe
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Athens, Greece, the Institute of Life (IOL) stands as a beacon of hope and innovation for couples facing fertility challenges. As one of the largest and most advanced assisted reproduction units in Europe, the Institute of Life, operating under the prestigious IASO Group, offers a unique blend of cutting-edge technology, scientific expertise, and compassionate care.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Institute of Life was established with a singular vision: to provide world-class fertility treatments while maintaining a patient-centric approach. Over the years, it has grown to become a pioneer in the field, attracting patients from across the globe. The success of the IOL can be attributed to its relentless pursuit of excellence and its commitment to staying at the forefront of reproductive medicine.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
The Institute of Life boasts state-of-the-art facilities that are equipped with the latest advancements in reproductive technology. The center features cutting-edge laboratories for in-vitro fertilization (IVF), embryology, and genetic testing, ensuring that patients receive the most accurate and effective treatments available. The laboratories are designed to meet and exceed international standards, reflecting the institute’s dedication to quality and safety.
ADVANCED LAB TECHNIQUES
- Assisted embryo (LAZT) and blastocyst (LAH) hatching using advanced laser technology (Octax Navilase)
- Blastocyst biopsy
- Blastocyst Culture
- Egg and Embryo Vitrification
- Egg Microfertilization (ΙCSI/P-IMSI)
- Embryo Culture Using Time-lapse Technology (EmbryoScope Plus)
- Polarized Light Microscopy for Spindle Detection (PolarAIDE)
A Team of Experts
At the heart of the Institute of Life is its team of highly skilled professionals. The institute brings together a multidisciplinary team of reproductive endocrinologists, embryologists, geneticists, and fertility specialists, all of whom are leaders in their respective fields. This collaborative approach ensures that each patient receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs and circumstances.
Scientific and General Management
Psychological Support and Counseling
Patient-Centered Approach
The Institute of Life is renowned for its patient-centered approach. Understanding the emotional and psychological challenges associated with fertility treatments, the institute provides holistic support, including counseling and wellness programs. The compassionate staff at IOL is dedicated to guiding patients through every step of their fertility journey, offering unwavering support and reassurance.
MST Research
The Maternal Spindle Transfer clinical study commenced in 2015, in partnership with Embryotools, and consisted of 3 phases:
- Phase 1 was the preclinical trial on murinae. This preclinical trial was awarded by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).
- Phase 2 involved the preclinical trial on human oocytes.
- Phase 3, which was the final stage of the clinical study, involved a pilot clinical trial leading to pregnancy.
As part of this pilot trial, five healthy babies have been born by women who had experienced multiple failed IVF attempts. The babies are monitored based on a special pediatric protocol and are all in excellent health.
In January 2020, the Institute of Life scientific team received an award from the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI). Specifically, the scientific team received the Research, Innovation & Technological Advancement Award for its Maternal Spindle Transfer clinical study.
Important Note:
Births of children using the maternal spindle transfer method are performed in the context of an ongoing research protocol concerning a pilot trial that leads to pregnancy, which is conducted in accordance with the terms and conditions of Law 3305/2005. Based on current scientific findings, the maternal spindle transfer method is not an established infertility treatment, nor a recognized method of medically assisted reproduction.
The Istitute of Life LAB
Embryoscope Plus
During IVF, monitoring and evaluating the developing embryos forms an integral part of lab practice.
This procedure includes the interruption of the incubation conditions at regular intervals, i.e. removing the embryos from the incubator and observing them under the microscope.
However, using time-lapse technology (EmbryoScope Plus) and watching the development of preimplantation embryos on video, the Institute of Life Assisted Reproduction Unit is able to evaluate ands select the most suitable embryos, without having to observe them under the microscope and disrupting their incubation conditions.
In addition, based on logarithmic analysis of their morphokinetic parameters, we select the most suitable embryos, which have the highest implantation potential.
RI Witness System
RI Witness is a management and electronic witnessing system that records and tracks all lab and clinical procedures. This means that it operates as an online safeguard, as the samples collected from couples are tracked throughout the assisted reproduction process, eliminating the chance of human error. The RI Witness system increases the sense of security felt by couples who place their trust in us through every step of their treatment.
Advanced Air Filtering (HVAC)
The Institute of Life Embryology Lab was established in accordance with the highest international standards, focusing on the air cleanliness of the lab. Being fully aware of how important the incubation conditions must be and how sensitive embryos are in coping with chemical air contaminants, we have developed a very advanced control system.
The filtering system consists of a state-of-the-art HVAC unit, with a four-stage filtration system of incoming air (pre-filters, bag filters, HEPA-ULPA, potassium permanganate). It ensures complete isolation of the lab environment via positive air pressure and gives embryologists the ability to culture embryos unimpeded, up to the blastocyst stage, with high success rates.
Olympus – SLICSI και PolarAIDE polscope microscopy
Microfertilization is probably the most important embryology technique, as it gives couples with significant male factor infertility the opportunity to achieve their goal. It is a very fine procedure that requires specific maneuvers and equipment, so as to eliminate the risk of injury to the eggs. The Olympus SLICSI system consists of a complex polarized light lens mechanism, which allows us to clearly detect the egg spindle (DNA spindle) during microfertilization. It minimizes the risk of injury when introducing the sperm to the interior of the egg. In addition, the SLICSI system allows us to use larger magnification in the microscope, so as to select morphologically smoother sperm.
Hydraulic antivibration tables – TMC
Each piece of equipment in an embryology lab is very important, as it allows embryologists to perform fine movements at cellular level. Microfertilization, embryo biopsy and blastocysts are performed using inverted microscopes equipped with special micromanipulators. These processes require extreme stability and complete absence of vibrations, which is achieved with the use of anti-vibration tables. The Institute of Life was the first unit in Greece to use hydraulic anti-vibration tables by US manufacturer TMC.
Global Recognition and Success Rates
The Institute of Life’s reputation extends far beyond Greece. It is recognized globally for its high success rates and groundbreaking contributions to the field of reproductive medicine. The institute regularly participates in international research collaborations and clinical trials, contributing to the advancement of fertility treatments worldwide.
Commitment to Innovation
Innovation is a cornerstone of the Institute of Life’s philosophy. The institute continuously invests in research and development, ensuring that it remains at the cutting edge of assisted reproduction technology. By embracing new techniques and methodologies, the IOL strives to improve outcomes and provide hope to even the most challenging cases of infertility.
Learn more and Contact Institute of Life at: https://www.iolife.eu/en/
Thank you!
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