Innovator in Assisted
Reproductive Technology
Dr. Masashige Kuwayama–a renowned cryobiologist, the visionary behind the Cryotec Method and Chairman of Reprolife–has revolutionized cryopreservation in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). With breakthrough advancements in solution composition, device design, and simplified protocols for vitrification, he has significantly improved success rates, not only for embryos but also for oocytes, which are particularly sensitive to cryopreservation.
In 1991, he made history by successfully vitrifying mammalian blastocysts, marking a new era in reproductive technology. Driven by excellence, he achieved human oocyte vitrification in 1999, expanding reproductive options.
Dr. Kuwayama's early recognition of the need for a safer oocyte cryopreservation method stems from his desire to provide more opportunities for women in their late 30s facing age-related infertility. By offering flexibility in lifestyle and family planning, his method addresses their specific needs.
Additionally, his approach has proven invaluable for women undergoing cancer treatment, particularly those with blood cancer, who often experience loss of ovarian function and subsequent infertility as a side effect. Through pre-emptive oocyte freezing, these women now have the possibility of future conception. His vitrification methods, initially pioneered in Japan, have become global standards, improving success rates worldwide.
Dr. Kuwayama's latest accomplishments include a next-generation vitrification method and the introduction of Cryotec Ready to Use (RtU) products, simplifying the process with improved solutions and record-high viscosity.
With unwavering dedication, Dr. Kuwayama continues to drive technological advancements, striving for the highest rates of oocyte and embryo survival while ensuring a stress-free vitrification process for embryologists.
Achieved successful cryopreservation of bovine in vitro fertilized blastocysts using vitrification method
Successfully implemented vitrification for bovine oocytes
Successfully applied the minimum volume cooling (MVC) technique to practically implement human oocyte cryopreservation using the vitrification method
Developed a vitrification kit for human oocytes
Introduced the Cryotop method
Established the world’s first human egg bank in Japan, focusing on cancer patients
Pioneered the establishment of the first human egg bank in the USA
Achieved successful pregnancies and deliveries using vitrified oocytes in the United States, South America, and Europe
Developed the Cryotip method
Successfully vitrified human ovarian tissue
Created HPC based vitrification solution along with The Cryotec Method
Developed the Cryotec Ready to Use series
Vitrification revolutionized cell freezing–offering a faster and more accessible method than previous ones. However, it demands meticulous skills and adherence to strict protocols.
In recognizing the skill-intensive
nature of vitrification,
Dr. Kuwayama has dedicated over
30 years of his life to the
continuous improvement of
his vitrification method,
The Cryotec Method.
His aim was to provide a technique that ensures consistent results for everyone, addressing concerns about variations and stresses faced by embryologists.
In the Cryotec Method, Dr. Kuwayama aimed to alleviate the stress of working under strict time restrictions for embryologists. He achieved this by modifying the solutions, which reduces cytotoxicity from cryoprotective agents enhancing the chances of successful preservation and allows for more time flexibility in each step.
Dr. Kuwayama's work in the Cryotec Method not only brought advancements in solution composition but also revolutionized device design. Dedicated plates for vitrification and warming improved simplicity and enhanced cell protection through slower osmotic changes. Additionally, Dr. Kuwayama's emphasis on ease of handling and safety led to the creation of the Cryotec (freezing device), featuring a square-shaped handle for convenient labeling and a comfortable grip for embryologists.
In traditional methods, the step involving Vitrification Solution (VS) often showed inconsistencies among operators' skills. It was crucial to ensure the substitution of Equilibrium Solution (ES) with VS around cells before the cooling step with liquid nitrogen. However, judging this substitution was ambiguous and subjected to strict time restrictions. Thanks to Dr. Kuwayama's innovative development, the Cryotec Method's design enables even junior embryologists to easily identify the substitution from ES to VS with the specific gravity of each solution.
In the Cryotec Method, Dr. Kuwayama eliminated the need for minimizing the volume of Vitrification Solution (VS) at loading step to reduce surface tension. Through improved solutions and devices, Dr. Kuwayama achieved safer vitrification without the need for this measure.
Yes, you can thaw oocytes/embryos with RtU products that were vitrified with original Cryotec solutions. Ensure that you follow the recommended warming protocol provided with the RtU products for optimal results.
For RtU Vitri plates, peel off the film carefully by pressing the plate against the surface firmly with one hand to keep it stable. For RtU Warm plates, lean the plate slightly diagonally to open the corner of the plate first and peel off the film by pressing down the plate firmly against the surface with one hand.
Yes, RtU warm plates are designed to be warmed together with all solutions. When preparing the Ready to Use warming plate, we recommend using a CO2-free incubator or warmer for optimal results.
Yes, you can put the unused/sealed RtU Warm plates back in the fridge. Allow the plates to cool to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain their integrity. We recommend using these plates first for the next procedure.
The maximum duration for the ES step remains the same for cleavage stage embryos, irrespective of whether compaction has occurred or not.
