Two decades on from the first publication on the potential of the technique for embryos, cryopreservation methods have become established as an increasingly important therapeutic strategy in human assisted reproduction, but they are still under-utilized. To set out the state of the art and to encourage further uptake, Vitrification in Assisted Reproduction: A User's Manual and Troubleshooting Guide outlines those techniques that result in success and details the recommended means of overcoming the problems typically encountered.

This book provides a historical overview of the principles and development of vitrification techniques in animal and humans; documents the various consumables utilized for the vitrification of cells and tissue, and suppliers thereof; and details the vitrification and warming technique for oocytes, sperm, pronuclear stage embryos, cleavage stage embryos, blastocysts, ovarian tissue and embryonic stem cells. Wherever applicable, the setting up - including protocol, operation, maintenance and trouble-shooting of the different protocols used for the various stages of cells and tissues - is also covered.