It’s simple math: the higher number of quality eggs a woman has, the greater her chances of having a baby. That’s why accurate follicular measurements during stimulation are critical in the IVF process. These calculations dictate timing—and missed follicles could mean missed opportunities.

“We need to have precise measurements, so we can interrupt stimulation at the right time. More important than the number of follicles, is the size. If a follicle is smaller than what you measured, you cannot use the egg to be fertilized. On the other hand, if it becomes too big, the egg might not be suitable for fertilization,” said Dr. Angela Palumbo of Centro de Fecundación In Vitro FIVAP in Tenerife, Spain.

To reduce potential errors, Palumbo relies on Voluson’s™ SonoAVCfollicle—an ultrasound tool that automatically measures follicles using 3D technology. Simply select an ovary and scan. In most cases, there’s no need for a manual count.

“With the touch of a button, I have all these measurements. Not having to measure each follicle has been a huge advantage for me,” Palumbo said.

“Manual measurements are very challenging, especially when multiple follicles are present. People get lost and have to start over from the beginning. It’s possible to miss a follicle, or measure the same one twice.”

SonoAVCfollicle is also designed to overcome other challenges, including inter-observer and intra-observer variability. In fact, 3D ultrasound has been shown to increase the reproducibility of measurement and evaluation.^1,2 It also allows for the standardization of ultrasound exams through the automated multi-planar approach.^3,4

Palumbo discovered another significant advantage with Voluson. The 3D technology has allowed her to use follicular volumes to predict the number of mature oocytes, rather than just making judgements based on diameter. Through years of research, Palumbo has been able to demonstrate that follicles with a volume bigger than .7 on the day of ovulation induction usually contain mature eggs.^5,6

“With volumes we have a more precise picture of the entire ovary and we can optimize the number of mature eggs we get,” Palumbo said. “For example, in poor responders we know every follicle is important. If we looked at manual measurements, we would continue the stimulation—but many times, SonoAVCfollicle tells us to stop—the patient is ready.”

The ability to automate follicular assessment using ultrasound is also more efficient. The patient can be scanned with the transvaginal probe and go. She doesn’t need to endure a lengthy, and often uncomfortable, ultrasound exam. That matters to IVF patients like Jessica*, who required numerous trips to the office for monitoring.

“I was going in there every other day to see how my follicles were growing. I remember feeling really heavy and bloated. They would do a scan and then freeze the image, circle the follicle and measure it. And then they’d do it again. You do that 15 times and you start to feel like a dog who is going to have a litter. It just hurts,” she said.

Not only does 3D imaging provide a better patient experience, Palumbo believes using SonoAVCfollicle ultimately helps increase a woman’s chances of getting pregnant.

“It’s a better way. We get more good follicles with mature eggs—which is what we want. That improves the IVF result.”

*Name of patient has been changed to protect her identity