Glossary of Terms

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

A collective term for medical technologies that support pregnancy, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and embryo cryopreservation and warming.

Blastocyst

An embryo stage formed approximately 5–6 days after fertilization, associated with improved implantation outcomes.

Cryopreservation & Warming

The process of warming vitrified embryos, oocytes, or sperm for use in treatment.

Cryoprotectant

Chemical substances that protect cells from damage during freezing. A critical component of vitrification.

Culture

The process of supporting the development of fertilized eggs. Specialized culture media, incubators, and instruments play a critical role.

Embryo

A cluster of cells after fertilization, developing from an early-stage embryo to a blastocyst.

Embryo Transfer

The procedure of transferring an embryo into the uterus. Kitazato’s embryo transfer catheters are used in this process.

Incubator

An equipment used for embryo culture that maintains constant temperature, CO₂, and O₂ levels. A stable environment is essential for proper embryo development.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

A fertilization technique in which a single sperm is directly injected into an oocyte. The precision of specialized pipettes directly affects treatment outcomes.

Laboratory Environment

Environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, air conditioning, and VOC control that affect embryo culture.

Media (Culture Media / Vitrification Media)

Products that directly affect embryo development environments and the outcomes of cryopreservation and warming processes.

Micro Tools

Micromachined tools used for ICSI and cellular manipulation. One of Kitazato’s areas of expertise.

Oocyte Retrieval

A medical procedure to collect oocytes from the ovaries. Dedicated instruments such as Kitazato’s oocyte pick-up needles are used.

Quality Control

A critical function at Kitazato that minimizes lot-to-lot variation and ensures the reproducibility and safety of reproductive medical products.

Thawing / Warming

The process of warming cryopreserved embryos, oocytes, or sperm for use in fertility treatment.

Traceability

The management of records tracking reproductive medical products from manufacturing through distribution. A key concept in Kitazato’s quality assurance system.

Unmet Medical Needs

Medical needs for which sufficient treatment options do not yet exist. We contribute to addressing these needs through technological development in the field of reproductive medicine.

Validation

Activities conducted to verify that manufacturing processes and operations are performed correctly and reproducibly.

Vitrification

A cryopreservation method that uses high concentrations of cryoprotectants and ultra-rapid cooling to suppress ice crystal formation and minimize cellular damage.