Artificial intelligence is no longer a promise, it is a reality in reproductive medicine.And in Colombia, that reality begins in reprotec.
We spoke with Dr. Eduardo Castro, Scientific Director of Reprotec, about the arrival ofFOLLISCA, an artificial intelligence-based technology that improves the accuracy of ultrasounds for measurement of follicles during ovarian stimulation.
“Artificial intelligence is not the future. It is the present of fertility”
INTERVIEWER:Doctor, why do you speak of artificial intelligence as the present of reproductive medicine?
Dr. Eduardo Castro:Because it is already directly impacting the results. In fertility, the greatest determinant of success is the number of mature eggs that we manage to obtain. If we better measure the follicles, we can more precisely define the ideal time for maturation and extraction, it is possible to increase the chances of pregnancy.
INTERVIEWER:What exactly is Folliscan?
Dr. Eduardo Castro:It is an artificial intelligence software that integrates with state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment. It allows you to make a single sweep of the ovary and, automatically, identifies, counts and measures all the follicles with a precision greater than 95%.
In a conventional ultrasound, the doctor measures follicle by follicle. Here, the system detects all the follicles in seconds, even the smallest ones, and delivers the organized measurements from largest to smallest size. It is more efficient, more standardized and more accurate.
INTERVIEWER:Does this change the patient’s experience?
Dr. Eduardo Castro:Absolutely, ultrasound is faster and requires less time in the office. In addition, by having more precise measurements, in some cases the number of controls necessary during ovarian stimulation can be reduced.
Less time, more clarity and better informed medical decisions.
Safety during ovarian stimulation
INTERVIEWER:Does it have an impact on treatment safety?
Dr. Eduardo Castro:Yes, one of the main complications in assisted reproduction is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. With Folliscan we have all the follicles, even the smallest ones, which allows you to better evaluate the risk and act more safely.
Artificial intelligence here not only improves efficiency, it also protects.
Does artificial intelligence replace the specialist?
INTERVIEWER:When we talk about AI, some people may be afraid. Does it replace the doctor?
Dr. Eduardo Castro:It is a complement, the expertise of the specialist is still essential. The software needs to be operated by a doctor trained in reproductive ultrasound. What artificial intelligence does is reduce the variability between observers —which can reach up to 25% in manual measurements— and provide a precision greater than 95%.
It is technology at the service of medical criteria.
Does the cost of treatment increase?
INTERVIEWER:Does this technological advance increase costs for patients?
Dr. Eduardo Castro:No. Folliscan is integrated into treatment without generating additional costs. Efficiency in time and processes allows to incorporate the technology without affecting the value of the procedure.
INTERVIEWER:Is Reprotec the only center in Colombia with this technology?
Dr. Eduardo Castro:Yes. CurrentlyWe are the first center in Colombia to have Folliscan, and it is important to say something:This is not the first time we incorporate artificial intelligence.For more than three years we have used advanced software for embryonic selection in the laboratory. Now we expand that approach to ovarian tracking.
Will Folliscan be used for all patients?
INTERVIEWER:Is it part of the usual process or is it optional?
Dr. Eduardo Castro:Most patients can benefit from this technology. However, if a patient prefers a conventional measurement, they can request it. The decision will always be accompanied and personalized.
INTERVIEWER:To close, doctor, what does the arrival of Folliscan represent for those who are looking for a pregnancy?
Dr. Eduardo Castro:It represents something very valuable in reproductive medicine: making decisions more precisely.
When we can better measure, choose the moment better and act more safely, we increase the real odds of success for each patient.
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The incorporation of Folliscan marks a new step in the evolution of fertility in Colombia, an advance that unites technology, medical knowledge and human accompaniment in the same purpose:Bring more people closer to the possibility of having a child.
If you are considering a fertility treatment or want to preserve it, you can schedule a assessment and learn in a personalized way how these innovations can be part of your process.
Our team is ready to accompany you.