Episode 5: AI for fertility treatment, with Dr Peter Illingworth, of Virtus Health

AI for fertility treatment, with Dr Peter Illingworth, of Virtus Health

Virtus Health, one of the largest IVF companies in the world with more 40 clinics, is using AI to raise the success rate of IVF. On today’s podcast, Dr Felix Beacher, head of healthcare technology at Informa Tech, discusses these advancements with Peter Illingworth, the medical director involved in developing the AI system at Australia-based Virtus.

Dr Illingworth discusses how Virtus’ AI can filter through hours of video imagery of cell growth and correctly analyse patterns of success naked to even the trained human eye. This technology supports embryologists in the laboratory, boosting transferal success rates from 60-70% up to an averaged 93%, saving patients money and the psychological effects that come with IVF risks. This enables them to make more informed decisions about which embryos to transfer, and ultimately improve the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Guest Profile - Dr Peter Illingworth

Dr Peter Illingworth is an experienced infertility specialist with over 20 years’ experience in assisted reproduction. He is highly regarded internationally due to his academic achievements and practical patient focused approach.  Peter subspecialised in reproductive endocrinology and worked for ten years at Westmead Hospital in Western Sydney. Nowadays, he is Medical Director of IVF Australia.

Original music by Felix Beacher: https://youtu.be/JS93808r-W4