Fused blastocysts as a consequence of group embryo culture: observations, complications, and potential solutions

Abstract

How embryos are cultured, in groups or individually, can influence their development and have other unforeseen impacts on subsequent assisted reproductive technologies. Although a group culture of embryos improves the blastocyst formation rates, this can create conditions wherein separate blastocysts may fuse. This fusion of 2 blastocysts can create unique logistic issues for embryo biopsy and genetic analysis. New culture approaches have emerged to facilitate individual embryo culture without losing the benefit of the group culture approach. Unique culture dishes and adjustments of laboratory culture/embryo handling protocols offer possible solutions to minimize or avoid blastocyst fusion.