Improving Deep Learning-Based Algorithm for Ploidy Status Prediction Through Combined U-NET Blastocyst Segmentation and Sequential Time-Lapse Blastocysts Images.

BACKGROUND

Several approaches have been proposed to optimize the construction of an artificial intelligence-based model for assessing ploidy status. These encompass the investigation of algorithms, refining image segmentation techniques, and discerning essential patterns throughout embryonic development. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using U-NET architecture for embryo segmentation and time-lapse embryo image sequence extraction, three and ten before biopsy to improve model accuracy for prediction of embryonic ploidy status.

METHODS

A total of 1.020 time-lapse videos of blastocysts with known ploidy status were used to construct a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based model for ploidy detection. Sequential images of each blastocyst were extracted from the time-lapse videos over a period of three and ten prior to the biopsy, generating 31.642 and 99.324 blastocyst images, respectively. U-NET architecture was applied for blastocyst image segmentation before its implementation in CNN-based model development.

RESULTS

The accuracy of ploidy prediction model without applying the U-NET segmented sequential embryo images was 0.59 and 0.63 over a period of three and ten before biopsy, respectively. Improved model accuracy of 0.61 and 0.66 was achieved, respectively with the implementation of U-NET architecture for embryo segmentation on the current model. Extracting blastocyst images over a 10 period yields higher accuracy compared to a three- extraction period prior to biopsy.

CONCLUSION

Combined implementation of U-NET architecture for blastocyst image segmentation and the sequential compilation of ten of time-lapse blastocyst images could yield a CNN-based model with improved accuracy in predicting ploidy status.