The future of fertility
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) methods have advanced dramatically since they first emerged almost 50 years ago. Here’s how one Perth fertility clinic is using the latest technology to improve success rates – and the IVF journey – for patients.
The future of fertility
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) methods have advanced dramatically since they first emerged almost 50 years ago. Here’s how one Perth fertility clinic is using the latest technology to improve success rates – and the IVF journey – for patients.
The birth of Louise Brown in 1978 changed the way the world thought about reproduction. Known as the first ‘test tube’ baby, she was the first human to be conceived using in vitro fertilisation (IVF) – a type of assisted reproduction where the fertilisation takes place outside the body.
Since then, IVF has become a common way to help individuals and couples have a baby – though innovation is continuing to improve the prospects for would-be parents. At Oasis Fertility Centre in Perth, Dr Santanu Baruah and his team are using breakthrough technology such as timelapse incubators, artificial intelligence (AI) and an electronic witnessing system to help patients achieve a successful pregnancy.
A vision of personalised care.
Dr Baruah – or Sunny, as he’s widely known – began his career in reproductive medicine and surgery at the Centre for Reproductive Medicine in St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London. In 2009, he moved to Perth, where he continued to work and gain experience in assisted reproductive technology procedures, including the latest advances. Over the past 19 years he has prescribed more than 5,000 cycles of IVF and performed corresponding numbers of egg collections and embryo transfers.
‘I have always believed it’s vital for every patient to feel heard, helped and treated as an individual,’ says Dr Baruah. ‘At Oasis, they have the support of a multidisciplinary team of experienced doctors, embryologists, nurses and administrative staff. As our focus is holistic wellness, they also have access to a network of specialised practitioners, including psychologists, counsellors, dietitians, acupuncturists and naturopaths.’
An app exclusive to Oasis helps patients feel supported and connected to their care team.
‘Patients can navigate a multitude of resources to guide them through each stage of their fertility journey,’ he says. ‘These include direct access to their prescribed medications and how to administer them, the results of their blood tests and a live chat option to the nursing team. They can also see details of their appointments and receive important reminders.’
‘An IVF facility has very specific technical, workflow and material requirements, and we were able to design every element with these in mind.’
‘An IVF facility has very specific technical, workflow and material requirements, and we were able to design every element with these in mind.’
Building Oasis from scratch.
When Dr Baruah was ready to open his own facility, he shared his vision with BOQ Specialist’s Michael LeSouef.
‘I’d known Sunny for over 10 years and assisted him with finance for a number of his endeavours,’ says Michael. ‘It made sense for him to seek assistance from someone he knew and trusted. My goal with Sunny, as it is with all my clients, was to go beyond a traditional lender-borrower dynamic to a collaborative partnership so that we could tailor our financial solutions to support his objectives.’
Dr Baruah decided to house Oasis within a private hospital.
‘We located a number of empty suites, which meant we could start from scratch,’ he says. ‘An IVF facility has very specific technical, workflow and material requirements, and we were able to design every element with these in mind. We worked with Charmaine Kai, director of 8i Architects, who has been head of their team’s IVF laboratory design program since 2011.’
Dr Baruah’s objective was to offer world-class care as affordably as possible. The facility was also built with the future in mind.
‘We have the scope to more than double our already generous patient capacity,’ says Dr Baruah.
Oasis innovation.
Three of the cutting-edge technologies embraced by Oasis Fertility Centre:
Timelapse incubators.
Are essentially artificial wombs where embryos can develop and grow. Embryos in traditional incubators must be removed for observation under a microscope. Timelapse incubators have internal cameras continuously monitoring the embryos without needing to disturb them. ‘Research has shown significant improvements in embryo quality and patients’ outcomes with timelapse technology,’ says Oasis founder Dr Santanu Baruah.
Artificial intelligence.
AI rapidly processes the thousands of images collected from the timelapse video footage in the incubator. This helps identify any developmental events that need to be reviewed by an embryologist. ‘AI increases efficiency in the laboratory and adds additional quality control with embryo assessment,’ says Dr Baruah.
RI Witness.
Safeguards gametes (sperm and egg cells) and embryos throughout the laboratory processes. ‘Radio-frequency identification stickers are attached to every dish and tube that will hold eggs, sperm or embryos,’ says Dr Baruah. ‘These contain a unique microchip linked to each Oasis patient.’
Every microscope and workstation within the laboratory is fitted with RI Witness software and in-built antennae, which read the microchips on the dishes and tubes to prevent human error.
‘The RI Witness system electronically tracks and records all dish and tube movements from the moment the samples are received into the lab, right up until embryo transfer or freezing,’ says Dr Baruah. ‘At Oasis Fertility Centre, RI Witness is included in every cycle, providing 24/7 security and peace of mind to our patients.’
Supporting innovation.
A project of this size generates significant upfront costs. Innovation and emerging technology can then present a new set of challenges for funding future growth.
‘We take a holistic approach to understanding our clients’ financial needs in terms of both short-term requirements and long-term strategic goals,’ says Michael. ‘Flexible financing solutions, such as equipment financing, working capital lines and self-managed super fund (SMSF) property lending can support an innovation agenda. Our goal is to provide more than just financial support. With Oasis, for example, we aim to be a trusted partner in their growth journey, enabling them to stay at the forefront of IVF technology and care.’
Dr Baruah describes the BOQ Specialist team as an ‘absolute delight’ to work with.
‘I’m especially grateful to Michael, who ensured that financial support was a smooth and supportive process.’
For his part, Michael is glad to have been involved, saying, ‘It was exciting to be a part of such an important project and to see it come to fruition.’
Get in touch with our
financial specialists.
Michael LeSouef
0417 562 594
Michael.LeSouef@boqspecialist.com.au
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