Instituto Bernabeu develops new AI tools to improve the success of assisted reproduction techniques
The Italian-Spanish group of clinics is leading the way in Europe in the application of artificial intelligence in fertility treatments.
Instituto Bernabeu, an international leader in reproductive medicine, has taken a decisive step forward with its Specialised Artificial Intelligence (AI) Unit applied to Assisted Reproduction, a pioneer in Europe and fully integrated into its daily clinical practice. The aim is to increase the chances of treatment success and improve the patient experience through the use of advanced machine learning algorithms and the analysis of large volumes of clinical and genetic data to complement and enhance medical judgement.
A Distinctive Innovation in Europe
Their new unit represents a qualitative leap forward in the approach to fertility treatments. Until now, prognosis assessment depended on medical experience and certain clinical parameters. With the incorporation of AI, the analysis is expanded to include thousands of variables that interact with each other and that the human eye cannot process comprehensively.
Dr Jordi Suñol, Instituto Bernabeu
Dr Jordi Suñol, the unit coordinator and director of the group’s clinic in Palma de Mallorca, explains that ‘thanks to artificial intelligence, we can offer each patient a realistic and personalised prediction of their chances of success. We analyse clinical, hormonal and genetic data, as well as the male factor, which allows us to design an individualised plan that optimises resources and shortens the time to pregnancy’.
More Accurate Embryo Selection
One of the most revolutionary applications is AI-assisted embryo selection. The system analyses images and morphological and kinetic parameters of the embryos, identifying with great precision those with the greatest potential for implantation.
Dr Jorge Ten, Instituto Bernabeu
Dr Jorge Ten, director of the embryology laboratories of all the clinics located in Alicante, Madrid, Venice (Italy), Mallorca, Albacete, Cartagena, and Benidorm, emphasises that ‘Artificial intelligence complements the embryologist’s experience and reduces the margin for human error. The combination of clinical expertise with the objectivity of algorithms multiplies the chances of transferring the ideal embryo, increasing the rates of successful pregnancy.’
This technology not only increases the chances of success, but also helps to reduce failed attempts, shorten treatment duration and improve the patients’ quality of life, who face the processes with less physical and emotional strain.
True Personalisation: Each Patient Receives a Unique Treatment Plan
The integration of AI makes it possible to detect unexpected low ovarian response, a problem that can affect even young women and is one of the main causes of initial treatment failure. Thanks to predictive algorithms, specialists can anticipate, adjust stimulation protocols and avoid unnecessary cycles.
This absolute personalisation translates into more efficient reproductive medicine: fewer cycles per patient, more tailored treatments and higher overall success rates.
In the words of Dr Suñol, ‘Artificial intelligence does not replace medical judgement, but rather enhances it. Each patient is unique, and now we can reflect that uniqueness in every therapeutic decision.’
Impact of Knowledge Transfer
The Instituto Bernabeu initiative has attracted enormous interest in European scientific forums and has been recognised as a success story in the application of R&D&I to reproductive health at recent specialist conferences. Preliminary data show that the use of these tools improves clinical outcomes, shortens treatment times and reduces indirect costs, a benefit that transcends the individual to become an advantage for European healthcare systems.
Furthermore, the ability to analyse large volumes of information opens the door to generating scientific knowledge of enormous value to the medical community as a whole. By integrating data from thousands of treatments, AI makes it possible to identify patterns and success factors that will enrich clinical guidelines.
Authors:
Dr Jorge Ten – Director of the Biology and Reproduction Operational Unit, Instituto Bernabeu
Dr Jorge Ten earned his Degree and Doctorate in Biology from the University of Valencia in 1994 and 1998. He joined Instituto Bernabeu in 1997, where he currently leads the Biology and Reproduction Operational Unit.
Alongside his clinical work, Dr Ten is deeply committed to education and research. Since 2008, he has served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at the University of Alicante and teaches on the Master’s Programme in Human Reproduction at the Complutense University of Madrid and the University of Alicante.
He holds the Senior Clinical Embryologist certification from both the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and the Spanish Association for the Study of Reproductive Biology (ASEBIR).
A passionate researcher, Dr. Ten has published over 50 scientific papers in leading international journals indexed in JCR and Scopus. He has also contributed to more than 40 research projects, and frequently presents his work at national and international conferences.
Dr Ten serves as a scientific reviewer for several renowned journals, including Human Reproduction, Fertility and Sterility, Reproductive Biomedicine Online, and Sensors. He is also a member of the Spanish Fertility Society, the Spanish Association of Human Genetics, ESHRE, and ASEBIR.
His dedication to innovation and scientific excellence has earned him numerous research awards, including recognition from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the Spanish Andrology Society (ASESA).
Through his clinical, academic, and research work, Dr. Ten continues to advance the field of reproductive medicine, helping couples and individuals achieve their dream of parenthood.
Dr Jordi Suñol – Specialist in Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Instituto Bernabeu
Born in Barcelona, Dr Jordi Suñol earned his Degree in Medicine and Surgery from the Central University of Barcelona and has been a member of the Professional Association of Doctors of Barcelona since 1983.
He completed his specialist training in Gynaecology and Obstetrics at the University of Montpellier (France), where he also gained advanced qualifications in female infertility, surgical endoscopy, and gynaecological surgery. His research focused on hormone therapy in egg donation and laparoscopic treatment of ovarian cysts.
Dr Suñol holds the European University Certification in Endoscopic Surgery in Gynaecology, as well as the Inter-University Diploma in Gynaecology and Obstetrics from the Universities of Montpellier, Marseille, Nice, and Clermont-Ferrand. His medical qualifications are officially recognised in both France and Spain, where he is accredited as a Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology by the Spanish Ministry of Health.
He is an active member of several medical associations, including the Spanish Fertility Society (SEF), the Academy of Medical Science of Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, and the Professional Association of Doctors of Milan – Lombardy (OMCeO).
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Suñol lectures on the Master’s Degree in Human Reproduction and PhD programmes at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, and collaborates with the Spanish Endometriosis Association (AEE).
He has presented at numerous national and international conferences, with a special interest in minimally invasive gynaecological surgery and the prevention of post-surgical adhesions.
Since December 2019, Dr. Suñol has been part of the Instituto Bernabeu Palma de Mallorca team, where he continues to combine his clinical expertise with his passion for teaching and research.
