The IVF Unit in Valencia has the largest oocyte Bank in Europe achieving 60% pregnancy rate from vitrified –warmed oocytes.

VITRIFICATION OF OOCYTES WORKSHOP, VALENCIA, SPAIN Thursday, April 22, 2010, 09:00-18:00 9:00-13:00     THEORETICAL SESSION (Valencia) 9:00 - 9:40     Fundamentals of Cryobiology                     S. Leibo, USA 9:40-10:20     Vitrification of oocytes and embryos                      A. Arav, Israel 10:20-11:00   Coffee break   11:00-11:40   Different approaches of Vitrification                      G. Vajta, Australia   11:40-12:40   The Cryotop method for oocyte Vitrification. Description of the technique.                     Clinical results                      M. Kuwayama, Japan   Aim of the theoretical session: To introduce the biophysical and biochemical principles involved in cryobiology; Ice formation Slow freezing procedures Seeding Freezing curves The physical principles of Vitrification, introduction to minimum volume methods, cooling rates and different Vitrification devices. 13:00-14:00    Lunch      14:00-18:00    HANDS-ON WORKSHOP (Valencia): OOCYTE AND EMBRYO                       VITRIFICATION -  THE CRYOTOP METHOD:                      Director: Dr. M. Kuwayama   The aim of this interactive workshop is to gain the practical use of management skills to carry out the Cryotop Vitrification method providing a unique opportunity for embryologist to learn about and practice an improved method of Vitrification. In addition to the "hands-on" laboratory program, general principles of cryobiology, minimum volume methods, cooling rates and different Vitrification devices will be discussed in a scheduled program of talks and demos performed by recognized scientists top in the field of cryobiology. Participants are embryologists and researchers working in this particular discipline. Applicants should have the pre-requisite of embryo handling skills. Workshop fee including Congress registration: €2,500 (Two Thousand Five Hundred Euro).