BACKGROUND

In Vitro maturation (IVM?) of oocytes is an innovative Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) applicable for selected couples with male factor, tubal factor, unexplained infertility and PCO/PCOS. Immature Germinal Vesicle (GV) stage oocytes are retrieved during the woman?s natural cycle without any or minimal preceding hormone treatment. Oocyte maturation to Metaphase II stage oocytes takes place in vitro using the MediCult IVM? System. Standard ICSI or IVF protocols are used after maturation has been obtained or after subsequent insemination and fertilization.



ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION

The course is designed to provide historical information, practical fundamentals, and an understanding of the skills required for reproductive clinicians, nurse managers and laboratory specialists to become comfortable and successful. It is recommended, but not required, that a team of one clinician, research nurse coordinator and a laboratory specialist from each center attend. The number of participants is limited and registrations will primarily be confirmed on a first come first served basis. The course is intended to present the latest information and technical skills to accurately incorporate IVM? into an IVF clinical settling through an open discussion format. Confirmation of the validity of this new and exciting option, potential concerns, and integration into practice will all be included. The session will conclude with a session on ?Where do we go from here??





SYMPOSIUM CURRICULUM



Friday, May 20, 2005

4-7:00 P.M. Registration & Reception



Saturday, May 21, 2005

8:00 A.M. Continental Breakfast

8:30 A.M. Welcoming Address

David Keefe, M.D.

8:45 A.M. History and Fundamentals of IVM?

H. Ingolf Nielsen, Ph.D.

9:15 A.M. European and Asian Experiences with IVM

H. Ingolf Nielsen, Ph.D. & Daniela Nogueira, Ph.D.

9:45 A.M. Break

10:00 A.M. Clinical Implementation of IVM

Anne Lis Mikkelsen, M.D., D.Sc.

11:00 A.M. Open Discussion

12:00 P.M. Lunch and Discussion- Who Pays, How Much and Other Practical Issues Related to IVM

David L. Keefe, M.D., Facilitator

1:00 P.M. Potential Applications of IVM in the U.S.

Trevor Steel, B.S. and David Keefe, MD

2:00 P.M. Site Management, Troubleshooting- The Nurse Manager

Kerri Martin, BSN, RN

3:30 P.M. Break

4:00 P.M. Questions & Answers

5:30 P.M. Break

6:30 P.M. Dinner

7:30 P.M. Dessert and Coffee

Open Discussion ?Where do we go from here??



Jointly sponsored and supported by Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island,

Tufts-New England Medical Center of Boston, Massachusetts and MediCult



A New Option- In Vitro Maturation of Human Oocytes IVM?



SCIENTIFIC CHAIR

David L. Keefe, M.D.

Division Director of Reproductive Medicine & Infertility

Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island

Providence, Rhode Island

Tufts - New England Medical Center

Boston, Massachusetts



SYMPOSIUM FACULTY

- Anne Lis Mikkelsen, M.D., D.Sc. Institute of Human Reproduction University of Copenhagen, Denmark

- H. Ingolf Nielsen, Ph.D., Consultant Embryologist, Director R&D Fertility, MediCult, Denmark

- David L. Keefe, M.D., Women & Infants Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island and Tufts New England Medical Center, Boston

- Daniela Nogueira, Ph.D., Women & Infants Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island and Tufts New England Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts

- Kerri Martin, BSN, RN, Women & Infants Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island and Tufts New England Medical Center, Boston

- Trevor Steel, B.S., US Operations, MediCult, Napa, California



REGISTRATION FORM



Register on line at www.medicult.com. Provide the following information by April 20, 2005



Participant:



_______________________________________________________________________________

Last Name, First Name Title/Degree



_______________________________________________________________________________

Institution Department



_____________________________________________________

Mailing Address (Street, City, Zip)



_____________________________________________________

Office Telephone Office Fax Email Address





REGISTRATION INFORMATION



There is no registration fee.



Register meeting at www.medicult.com



ACCOMMODATIONS



The symposium is being held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick, Rhode Island. The Crowne Plaza Hotel is located 8 minute south of downtown Providence, 2 miles from Providence T.F. Green Airport. It is centrally located to all destinations in southern New England and approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes south of Boston and Logan Airport. Free shuttle service available from Green Airport.



A block of rooms has been reserved at a special conference rate of $139.00 single/double occupancy, plus taxes, and will be held until April 20, 2005. To reserve accommodations at this rate contact The Crowne Plaza at 401-732-6000. Ask for the ?MediCult/Women & Infants Hospital Block Rooms.?



DRIVING DIRECTIONS



From I-95 north take Exit 12, or from I-95 south take exit 12a. Bear right. The driveway is on the right.

http://www.medicult.com

 (5)