Are computational applications the "crystal ball" in the IVF laboratory? The evolution from mathematics to artificial intelligence

J Assist Reprod Genet. 2018 Sep;35(9):1545-1557. doi: 10.1007/s10815-018-1266-6. Epub 2018 Jul 27.

Abstract

Mathematics rules the world of science. Innovative technologies based on mathematics have paved the way for implementation of novel strategies in assisted reproduction. Ascertaining efficient embryo selection in order to secure optimal pregnancy rates remains the focus of the in vitro fertilization scientific community and the strongest driver behind innovative approaches. This scoping review aims to describe and analyze complex models based on mathematics for embryo selection, devices, and software most widely employed in the IVF laboratory and algorithms in the service of the cutting-edge technology of artificial intelligence. Despite their promising nature, the practicing embryologist is the one ultimately responsible for the success of the IVF laboratory and thus the one to approve embracing pioneering technologies in routine practice. Applied mathematics and computational biology have already provided significant insight into the selection of the most competent preimplantation embryo. This review describes the leap of evolution from basic mathematics to bioinformatics and investigates the possibility that computational applications may be the means to foretell a promising future for the IVF clinical practice.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence IVF; Bayesian models IVF; Devices IVF; Prediction models IVF; Time-lapse IVF.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Artificial Intelligence / statistics & numerical data
  • Artificial Intelligence / trends*
  • Blastocyst
  • Female
  • Fertilization in Vitro / methods*
  • Fertilization in Vitro / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Laboratories / statistics & numerical data
  • Mathematics / statistics & numerical data*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Rate / trends
  • Software / statistics & numerical data