Treatment Overview
Ultra-Rapid Cryopreservation, also known as vitrification, is a cutting-edge fertility preservation technique that instantly freezes reproductive cells or tissues to prevent ice crystal formation and cellular damage. This method is essential for cancer patients who must begin chemotherapy or radiotherapy quickly, as it allows for immediate and highly effective preservation of oocytes, embryos, or ovarian tissue.
In Korea, ultra-rapid cryopreservation is a cornerstone of oncofertility programs. Korean fertility centers employ advanced cryogenic systems, automated freezing devices, and precision-controlled cooling techniques to achieve near-perfect survival rates after thawing.
This technology enables cancer patients to preserve their fertility and hormonal function safely, ensuring the possibility of future conception even after intensive cancer therapy.
Purpose & Benefits
The goal of ultra-rapid cryopreservation is to preserve the biological integrity and reproductive potential of gametes or tissues at the cellular level, safeguarding fertility during cancer treatment.
Key benefits include:
- Immediate preservation: Rapid freezing prevents ice crystal formation, maintaining cellular structure.
- High survival rate: Over 90% of eggs and embryos remain viable after thawing.
- Suitable for urgent cases: Can be completed within 24 hours, ideal for patients who cannot delay cancer therapy.
- Preserves both fertility and hormone function: Protects reproductive capacity and ovarian endocrine activity.
- Compatible with various sample types: Effective for oocytes, embryos, ovarian tissue, or sperm.
- No need for complex synchronization: Works with random-start stimulation or direct tissue retrieval.
- Safe and well-established: Does not alter genetic or cellular integrity.
Korean clinics have refined this method through years of research, achieving internationally recognized success rates in post-thaw fertility outcomes.
Ideal Candidates
Ultra-Rapid Cryopreservation is recommended for:
- Women diagnosed with cancer requiring urgent chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
- Patients who have limited time before beginning gonadotoxic treatments.
- Prepubertal or young patients eligible for ovarian tissue preservation.
- Individuals undergoing surgical ovarian removal for cancer management.
- Patients seeking fertility preservation after random-start stimulation cycles.
- Men or women pursuing gamete or embryo storage for future use.
It is particularly ideal for oncofertility patients requiring immediate preservation without delay to cancer therapy.
Possible Risks & Complications
Although ultra-rapid cryopreservation is considered safe and effective, potential risks may include:
- Sample contamination risk: Mitigated by strict sterile protocols and closed-system freezing.
- Partial loss of cellular viability: Rare with advanced Korean vitrification techniques.
- Cryogenic storage failure: Extremely rare due to redundant monitoring and safety systems.
- Emotional impact: Patients may feel stress related to timing or future fertility uncertainty.
Korean cryobanks utilize 24-hour electronic surveillance, temperature control systems, and double-tank backups to maintain safety and reliability.
Techniques & Technologies Used
1. Vitrification (Ultra-Rapid Freezing)
- The primary method used in Korea for eggs, embryos, and ovarian tissue.
- Samples are rapidly cooled from room temperature to –196 °C within seconds.
- Cryoprotectants replace intracellular water to prevent ice crystal formation.
- Ensures maximum follicular and cellular survival upon thawing.
2. Closed-System Cryodevices
- Specialized sealed storage devices prevent contamination and maintain sterility.
- Used in advanced Korean cryogenic laboratories for regulatory safety.
3. Automated Cooling Systems
- Computer-controlled cryogenic devices precisely regulate cooling rates.
- Ensures consistent results and eliminates technician variability.
4. Cryostorage Infrastructure
- Samples stored in liquid nitrogen tanks with real-time temperature and alarm systems.
- Dual storage units in separate locations to prevent catastrophic loss.
5. Thawing & Post-Thaw Assessment
- Controlled warming process to minimize osmotic shock.
- Viability and integrity of oocytes or embryos are assessed microscopically.
Korea’s advanced cryobiology laboratories utilize ultra-fast freezing speeds, biosecure handling, and high-precision monitoring, achieving top-tier success in fertility preservation.
Recovery & Aftercare
Ultra-rapid cryopreservation is non-invasive for gametes and minimally invasive for ovarian tissue retrieval.
Aftercare Process:
- Post-procedure recovery: For egg retrieval, mild bloating or discomfort resolves within 1–2 days.
- Immediate cancer therapy: Chemotherapy or radiotherapy can start within 24–48 hours.
- Cryobank follow-up: Patients receive documentation and digital access to cryostorage records.
- Hormonal monitoring: Regular tests after cancer therapy to assess ovarian recovery.
- Fertility planning: Upon remission, patients can undergo IVF using thawed eggs or embryos.
Korean fertility centers offer comprehensive post-treatment support, combining medical, emotional, and reproductive counseling.
Results & Longevity
Clinical results from Korean fertility programs demonstrate the exceptional efficiency of ultra-rapid cryopreservation:
- Post-thaw survival rate: Above 90% for eggs and embryos.
- Fertilization success: Comparable to fresh samples when used in IVF.
- Pregnancy rate: Over 50% per embryo transfer in preserved materials.
- Longevity: Samples remain viable for decades with stable cryostorage conditions.
- Hormone function recovery: Maintained in ovarian tissue reimplantation cases.
The technique has revolutionized fertility preservation in Korea, offering high reliability, long-term safety, and outstanding reproductive outcomes.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Oncofertility Assessment
- Consultation between oncologists and fertility specialists.
- Determination of preservation method (oocyte, embryo, or ovarian tissue).
- Rapid scheduling of stimulation or surgical retrieval.
Step 2 – Sample Collection
- Ovarian stimulation (if time allows) or direct tissue extraction via laparoscopy.
- For male patients, semen collection performed the same day.
Step 3 – Cryoprotectant Preparation
- Introduction of specialized cryoprotectant media to prevent ice damage.
- Performed under sterile lab conditions.
Step 4 – Ultra-Rapid Freezing
- Samples undergo vitrification using automated or manual flash-freezing systems.
- Temperature rapidly drops to –196 °C within seconds.
Step 5 – Cryogenic Storage
- Samples placed in double-sealed cryocontainers and stored in nitrogen tanks.
- Continuous monitoring ensures long-term preservation and traceability.
Why Korea Excels in Ultra-Rapid Cryopreservation
- Pioneering vitrification research: Korean scientists developed and refined global protocols.
- World-class cryogenic labs: Equipped with the latest freezing and monitoring technology.
- Integrated oncofertility care: Collaboration between oncology and fertility specialists ensures no treatment delay.
- High post-thaw success: Advanced cryoprotectants and optimized lab workflows deliver outstanding results.
- International accreditation: Many Korean centers maintain ISO-certified cryobank systems.
- Affordable, advanced treatment: Global-standard technology offered at accessible cost.
Korea’s focus on speed, precision, and biological safety has positioned it as a leading destination for oncofertility preservation.
Cost Range
The cost of ultra-rapid cryopreservation in Korea depends on the type of sample preserved and storage duration. Typical pricing includes:
- Oocyte or embryo vitrification: USD 2,500 – 4,500 per cycle
- Ovarian tissue cryopreservation: USD 5,000 – 8,000
- Sperm freezing (for male patients): USD 500 – 800
- Cryostorage (annual): USD 300 – 700
- Comprehensive preservation package (including stimulation, retrieval, and freezing): USD 5,000 – 9,000
These costs include consultation, laboratory processing, cryostorage setup, and digital documentation. Korean fertility centers offer transparent, cost-effective programs for both domestic and international patients.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- CHA Fertility Center (Seoul, Bundang): Leader in advanced vitrification and ovarian tissue preservation.
- Maria Fertility Hospital: Specializes in rapid egg and embryo cryopreservation for cancer patients.
- MizMedi Women’s Hospital: Offers integrated oncology-fertility care and secure cryostorage facilities.
- Hamchoon Women’s Clinic: Renowned for precise laboratory protocols and high survival rates.
- Seoul Women’s Hospital: Provides full-spectrum cryopreservation and long-term cryobank services.
