BLOOMINGTON, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Embryologists, fertility and reproductive specialists are invited to join a live, online chat event entitled, “In Vitro Maturation” at www.CookARTLab.com. The event will be held on Wednesday, October 7 at 7:00 p.m. Australian Eastern Time (AEST) and led by Professor Jeremy Thompson, a research scientist whose work is largely focused on early embryo development as the Head of the Early Development Group at the University of Adelaide, Australia.

During the chat, Professor Thompson will provide an overview of the recent advancements and latest developments in vitro maturation (IVM). The presentation will highlight the major differences between conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures and IVM. Thompson will provide an overview of the benefits achieved through IVM benefits and present clinical success rates achieved to date. He will also detail the role oocyte secreted factors play in oocyte maturation as well as the development of a new ‘Induced’ IVM system.

“CookARTLab.com is a unique platform through which members of our field can collaborate with and learn from one another,” said Thompson. “I’m excited to participate in the site’s first live chat to discuss with colleagues, the process of in vitro maturation and my research findings in this area.”

Following Professor Thompson’s presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to ask specific questions about IVM including best practices, execution and success rates. Those planning to join the chat are encouraged to post questions within the discussion forum on www.CookARTLab.com ahead of the event.

About Jeremy Thompson

Jeremy Thompson is an associate professor at the University of Adelaide and joined the obstetrics and gynecology unit in 1999, serving as the Director of Clinical Embryology and Deputy Director during his tenure. He is currently the Director of the Research Centre for Reproductive Health. He is a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Senior Research Fellow and his research is centrally focused on improving clinical infertility treatment, perinatal and adult health and reproductive technologies for animal biotechnology. Professor Thompson is a paid consultant for Cook Medical and will be reimbursed for his time and participation in the live chat session.

About CookARTLab.com

Launched in April, CookARTLab.com shows real-world demonstrations of ovum collection, sperm injection, embryo culture and embryo transfer, with guidance on how to optimize each step for improved pregnancy rates. The microsite also features a knowledge base with up-to-the minute links to the most current published research in A.R.T.; a discussion forum that allows professionals to exchange information and experiences; and a news center posting upcoming industry events – making the Cook site a centralized resource on breaking research and best practices for fertility and reproductive specialists. The live chat adds an interactive dimension to the site, enabling specialists to exchange information in real-time, regardless of their geographic location.

About Cook Medical

Cook Medical helped invent and popularize interventional medicine, pioneering many of the devices now commonly used worldwide to perform minimally invasive medical procedures throughout the body’s vascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, urological and OB/GYN pathways. Today, the company integrates minimally invasive medical device design, biopharma, gene and cell therapy and biotech to enhance patient safety and improve clinical outcomes in the fields of aortic intervention; interventional radiology; critical care medicine; gastroenterology; peripheral vascular medicine; bone access and oncology; interventional cardiology; general surgery and soft tissue repair; urology; and assisted reproductive technology, gynecology and high-risk obstetrics. Founded in 1963, Cook Medical operates as a family-held private corporation focused on providing superior patient outcomes while reducing health care delivery costs. For more information, visit www.cookmedical.com. You may sign up to follow Cook Medical on Twitter at <http.www.twitter.com/cookmedicalpr>.