Covid 19 Measures

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, scheduled “Severe Male Infertility” workshop will not take place. We will keep you informed here or through our newsletter.

Welcome message

Dear colleagues,

It is our great pleasure to invite you to Thessaloniki, Greece for the state of the art Hands-on Workshop “Severe Male Infertility: Management and Challenges in the ART lab” organized by Embryolab Academy on 18th & 19th September 2021.

The target audience consists of Clinical Embryologists, Andrologists, Geneticists and Lab technicians working in IVF, interested in improving their theoretical and hands-on skills in recent advances on the treatment of severe male infertility in the ART lab.

Lectures will be given by a panel of experts who are actively involved in the treatment of severe male infertility and will provide a clear insight of the up to date knowledge and efficiency of the available techniques and tools.

Special emphasis will be given in the hands on session where participants will have a hands on experience on the available treatment options and techniques for the processing, cryopreservation and sperm selection of samples with limited number of spermatozoa.

For maximum exposure to hands-on experience and interaction, a limited number of participants will be able to attend.

Looking forward to welcoming you at our 9th Hands-On Workshop.

On behalf of Embryolab Academy,

Alexia Chatziparasidou,
MSc, Sr. Clinical Embryologist,
Co-Founder and Director of
Embryolab Academy

Dr Nicholas K Christoforidis, 
MD, MSc, FRCOG
Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
Embryolab Clinical & Scientific Director
Co-Founder and Board Member of Embryolab Academy
 

 

Glykeria Samolada,
Genetic Counsellor
Co-Founder and Board Member of Embryolab Academy 

Workshop's Objectives
  • to present an overview of the current state of daily practices and challenges in the treatment of severe male infertility in ART lab.
  • to offer expert hands-on training in the available treatment options and techniques for the processing, cryopreservation and sperm selection of samples with limited number of spermatozoa.
  • to present new techniques and tools for the treatment of severe male infertility.
  • to offer an insight in good clinical practice by addressing daily practices and challenges in the treatment of sperm samples with limited number of spermatozoa through networking, interaction and discussion between experts and participants.
Why should i register
  • Update on all the latest developments on the treatment of severe male infertility.
  • Hands on training by experts with long experience in the treatment of severe male infertility.
  • Interaction with experts and international networking.
  • Certificate of attendance with 13 European CME credits (ECMECs).
  • A free Embryolab Academy membership.
Target Audience

The target audience consists of Clinical Embryologist, Geneticists and Lab technicians working in IVF, interested in improving their theoretical and hands-on skills on recent advances in the treatment of severe male infertility in the ART lab.

Prominent Speakers

Hands-On Experts

The Workshop will take place at Makedonia Palace Hotel

2 M. Alexandrou Avenue
546 40, Thessaloniki, Greece
el: +30.2310.897197
www.makedoniapalace.gr

Saturday 18th September 2021
Sunday   19th September 2021

Important Dates:
Deadline for Early bird registration: Until 31th July 2021

The official language of the Workshop is English. No simultaneous translation will be provided.
The Hands-on Workshop “Severe Male Infertility”, Thessaloniki, Greece, 18/09/2021-19/09/2021 has been accredited by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME) with 13 European CME credits (ECMECs). Each medical specialist should claim only those hours of credit that he/she actually spent in the educational activity.
According to the Panhellenic Medical Organization, certificates will be provided after the completion of attendance of 60% of the Scientific Program. Thus, a barcode system will be implemented during the Workshop in order to register all delegates’ attendance time.
Registration badges will be used during the Workshop. Participants will receive their badges upon check-in on arrivals day. For identification purposes and admission to session hall, as well as for accreditation purposes participants are requested to wear their badges at all times. Admission to Workshop areas will not be allowed without badge identification.

Registration includes:

  • Workshop Registration
  • Theoretical Sessions
  • Hands-on Sessions
  • Workshop Syllabus
  • Coffee Breaks
  • Lunch Break
  • Workshop Dinner
  • Certificate of Attendance with 13 European CME credits (ECMECs)
  • Embryolab Academy Membership

Accomodation :
Makedonia Palace is a 5 star hotel situated right on the seafront and next to Thessaloniki City Centre and features two restaurants of high taste. All suites and rooms are lavishly decorated, including a satellite TV and free WiFi. The classically decorated units open to balconies with views of the city or the sea. Each features a well-stocked, bathroom with lavish amenities, bathrobe and slippers. Suites are individually designed. Interconnecting rooms are also available 

Registration Fees

Early Bird: Until 31th July 2021: 450

Regular Fee: From 1st August 2021: 550

One Day Fee (Sunday 19th September 2021): 200€

Currency

All fees are calculated in EUR (€). Participants from countries where currency restrictions prevent them from sending registration fees in advance are asked to inform the Organizing Secretariat, in order to avoid being charged late registration fees.

Insurance

Voyager Travel & Congress cannot accept any responsibility for any personal loss, accidents and/or damages to participants and/or accompanying persons. Participants are strongly advised to acquire personal insurance to cover any eventuality that may occur during the Workshop.

Greece is a Member-State of the European Union and has signed the Schengen Agreement. While traveling within the E.U., you only need your Identity card. However, a passport is necessary for a number of other transactions, such as currency exchange, purchases, etc.

Visas are not required by European citizens from countries that are part of the Schengen Area. Greece as a member of the Schengen Agreement has abolished controls on common internal lands, at air and sea borders and allows Member-State citizens to travel around without a visa for a short stay period of up to three (3) months. However, keep in mind that airlines and other carriers require a valid passport and/or identity card.

Citizens coming from countries that have not yet joined Schengen Area may require a visa to enter Greece. The E.U. visitors from these countries can acquire further information from the Hellenic Embassies or Consulates in their countries, or from their travel agencies. Before visiting Greece, please consult the detailed information on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website and find out whether you require a Visa (www.mfa.gr)

Note: During your stay in Greece, if you require a Visa, you are advised to have suitable insurance coverage for emergency medical or other need.

Delegates that require an official Invitation Letter in order to attend the Workshop may address the Organizing Secretariat, specifying the necessary details. This service is provided only to assist participants who need to obtain a visa or permission to attend the Workshop. It should not be considered as an official invitation covering fees or any other expenses. Please note that registration to the Workshop is a prerequisite for delegates to receive an official letter of invitation from the Organizing Secretariat.
Thessaloniki is the second largest city of Greece and is located on the Thermaic Gulf, in the northern part of the country. It is Greece’s second major economic, industrial, commercial and political center.

The main area of interest to visitors is between the ferry port and the city’s emblem, the White Tower. It is the gateway to some fascinating parts of northern Greece, such as renowned beaches, beautiful islands like Thassos, and refreshing mountains like Mount Olympus.

The city is considered to be Greece’s cultural capital since it is renowned for its festivals, events and vibrant cultural life in general. The City’s trademark is its ability to blend the past with the future through its countless picturesque spots around the historical town and monuments that witness its glorious past. Offers the cosmopolitan culture and energy of a big city with the friendly ambience and charm of a smaller town. It’s a wonderful destination to experience the real Greece without the crowds and congestion of Athens.

  • Roman Rotunda (Saint George’s Church)
  • The White Tower
  • Church of Saint Demetrius
  • Arch of Galerius
  • Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum
  • Ano Poli (Upper Town)
  • Byzantine Walls (Ancient Ramparts)
  • Church of Saint Sophia
Makedonia Palace is a 5 star hotel situated right on the seafront and next to Thessaloniki City Centre and features two restaurants of high taste. All suites and rooms are lavishly decorated, including a satellite TV and free WiFi. The classically decorated units open to balconies with views of the city or the sea. Each features a well-stocked, bathroom with lavish amenities, bathrobe and slippers. Suites are individually designed. Interconnecting rooms are also available

Airport: 15,1km, 15min (by car)
City Center (White Tower): 1,2km, 3min (by car)

Facilities

The Workshop will take place at Makedonia Palace Hotel

Internet

High-speed Internet is available at venue unit. Wireless Internet on site

Getting to the Workshop Venue

If you are arriving to the hotel from Makedonia International Airport (13 km):
By car: Take Georgikis Scholis Avenue to the west. Georgikis Scholis as you drive towards the city becomes Eth. Antistaseos Av, then Vas. Olgas Av. and finally Vas. Georgiou Str. Turn left at the traffic light in front of the City Hall onto Megalou Alexandrou Avenue and after approximately 400 meters you will find the hotel on your right, right at the seafront of Thessaloniki.
By bus: Take the Airport Bus (line 01Χ) and get off at “Faliro” bus stop. Makedonia Palace is located less than 150m away from the stop

If you are arriving to the hotel from the New Train Station:

By car: Take Monastitriou Str. to the east and after Dimokratias Square (Vardaris area) turn right at Dodekanisou Str. – this street then becomes Salaminos Str. – to arrive to the entrance of the Passenger Terminal of the city’s port. There, turn left and continue on Kountourioti Str – this street becomes Leoforos Nikis and having passed by the White Tower it becomes Meg. Alexandrou Avenue. The hotel is located approximately 400m away, on your right.
By bus: Take bus line 8 and get off at “Faliro” bus stop. Makedonia Palace is located less than 150m away from the bus stop.

Coffee and Lunch breaks

Traditional Greek delicacies, coffee and lunch breaks will be served during the sessions.

Why should I register

1. Update on all the latest developments in the treatment of male infertility.

2.Hands on training by experts with long  experience in the treatment of severe male infertility

3. Interaction with experts and international networking

4. Certificate of attendance with 13 European CME credits (ECMECs)

5. A free Embryolab Academy membership

WORKSHOP’S AGENDA

Saturday, 18 th September 2021

1st Session: Severe Μale infertility where are we now ?

09:30-09:45

Severe Male Infertility: Definitions And Challenges.

Bryan Woodward
MBSc, MMedSci, PhD, FRCPath, Consultant Clinical Embryologist

“This lecture aims to introduce and define severe male infertility; present the prevalence of severe male infertility and address the achievements and current challenges for diagnosis and treatment of severe male infertility.”
09:45-10:00
Pre-Conception Optimization In IVF Treatment: Clinical Aspects In Severe Male Factor
N.Christoforidis
MD, FRCOG, DFFP, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Co-Founder and Board Member of Embryolab Academy
“This lecture will focus on all the current options for pre-conceptional optimization of severe male infertility, present the available options as well as the expected benefits”
10:00-10:15
The Management Of 0% Normal Morphology OR 0% Motility: What Is Possible and what are the Limits?
Achilleas Papatheodorou
M.Med.Sci., PhD. Senior Clinical Embryologist, ESHRE certified
“0% motility or 0% morphology sperm samples bring the greatest challenges in the IVF lab! During this lecture all the available options, techniques and tools for the treatment of these samples as well as their expected efficiency on performance and prognosis will be presented”
10:15-10:45

Panel: Sperm Selection In Severe Male Infertility Panel Moderator: Alexia Chatziparasidou
Panelists: N.Christoforidis, B.Woodward, M.Feldman, M.Enginsu, A.Stecher, M.Belenky, A.Papatheodorou

“This panel will focus on all the available options for optimizing sperm selection, the tools we currently have and their efficiency on improving prognosis. Expert will openly discuss and share their knowledge and experience.”
10:45-11:15
Coffee And Networking Break
Meet and talk to our experts, greet colleagues, visit the booths and learn about their new innovative products, treatment tools and techniques of severe male infertility while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea served with traditional Greek pastries.
2nd Session: All about Testicular Spermatozoa
11:15-11:30

Testicular Spermatozoa In OA And NOA Males: What Is To Be Expected?
Mag. Astrid Stecher
Bereichsleiterin, IVF-Labor, Senior Clinical Embryologist ESHRE certified

“One in 10 men with male infertility suffer from azoospermia. This lecture aims to present the demographics, prevalence and types of azoospermia as well as to describe all current treatment options for azoospermia and their efficiency”
11:30-11:45

The Use Of Testicular Spermatozoa In Non-Azoospermic Male: Is There A Meaning?
Martha Moysidou
M. Moysidou, BSc, MSc, Biologist, Senior Clinical Embryologist ESHRE certified

“There is an increasing body of data that favors the use of testicular spermatozoa in certain groups of non-azoospermic men to improve prognosis. This lecture aims to present the available data and knowledge as well as the pros and cons of this approach.”

11:45-12:00

Fresh Vs Frozen Testicular Spermatozoa: Who Is The Winner? 
Chara Oraiopoulou
BSc, Mres, Biologist, Clinical Embryologist ESHRE certified

“It is not yet clear whether frozen testicular spermatozoa perform equally to fresh and whether it is time to move to frozen biopsies only strategies. This lecture aims to present the available data and experience and attempt to name who the winner is!”

12:00-12:30

Panel: Testicular Spermatozoa: Management & Challenges
Panel Moderator: Achilleas Papatheodorou
Panelists: A.Stecher, M.Belenky, M.Moysidou, C.Oraiopoulou

“This panel of Experts will focus on the best lab practices on testicular spermatozoa. Approaches on selection, time of testicular biopsy searching, morphology and motility of testicular spermatozoa are only some of the topics that will be addresses and openly discussed.”
12:30-13:30
Group Photo, Lunch Break And Networking
After the group photo the participants and experts will enjoy a lunch break with a variety of Greek delicacies and a breathtaking view to the sea and Mountain Olympus.
3rd Session: The Genetic Basis of Severe Male Infertility is the biggest challenge of all!
13:30-13:45

The Genetic Basis Of Male Infertility
Aikaterini Moutou
Associate Professor
Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology
University of Thessaly

“Despite the progress in the treatment of severe male infertility our knowledge and understanding of the genetic basis of male infertility is still limited. This lecture aims to present what is known, what is emerging and what still remains to be discovered on the genetic basis of male infertility.”
13:45-14:00
Is Severe Male Infertility Linked To Higher Sperm Aneuploidy? Should PGT Become An Integral Part Of The Treatment Of Severe Male Infertility?
A. Chatziparasidou
MSc, Sr. Clinical Embryologist, Co-Founder
and Director of Embryolab Academy
“Spermatozoa from men with severe male infertility are known for their increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities as a result of spermatogenesis deficiencies. This lecture will present what is known already and whether the available data and knowledge justify the use of PGT for all severe male infertility cases.”
14:00-14:15

The Reproductive Potential Of Spermatozoa From Men With Abnormal Karyotype, Y Microdeletions, Or Cystic Fibrosis Carriers. What Are The Challenges?
M.Papadopoulou
BSc, Biologist, Clinical Embryologist ESHRE certified

“This lecture aims to present the current data and knowledge on the reproductive potential of spermatozoa produced from men diagnosed with different genetic conditions and what the lab practitioners should know and expect for the treatment of these spermatozoa.”

14:15-14:45

Panel: The Genetic Challenges In Severe Male Infertility
Panel Moderator: M.Moysidou

Panelists: A.Moutou, A.Chatziparasidou, M.Papadopoulou

“This panel of Experts will focus on what lab practitioners should know about spermatozoa carrying an increased risk for a chromosomal abnormality during sperm preparation and processing, what are the known best practices for each case and what is to be expected in terms of performance and prognosis.”

14:45-15:15

Coffee And Networking Break
Meet and talk to our experts, greet colleagues, visit the booths and learn about their new innovative products for the treatment of severe male infertility while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea served with traditional Greek pastries.
4th Session: Severe Male infertility and more…

15:15-15:30

Cryopreservation Of Low And Very Low Number Of Ejaculated Or Testicular Spermatozoa
Miki Belenky

M.Sc, Male Fertility Center, Lab deputy director.

“This lecture dials with one of the main everyday challenges in the treatment of severe male infertility: the cryopreservation of low and very low numbers of spermatozoa and will present the current options, tools and the available data on the efficiency of these approaches.”

15:30-15:45

Artificial Activation For Severe Male Infertility

Mary Karagianni
B.Sc., M.Sc.,Biologist,Clinical embryologist

“Artificial activation is a method to overcome oocyte activation deficiencies. Is this strategy a valid option for improving fertilization rates in cases of severe male infertility? This lecture will present the method and the concept of artificial activation, as well as the available data and current experience from the implementation of artificial activation to overcome sperm related fertilization deficiencies.”

15:45-16:00

Seminal Microbiome In Severe Male Infertility Cases

Bryan Woodward
MBSc, MMedSci, PhD, FRCPath Consultant Clinical Embryologist

“Seminal microbiome is an emerging study field and may play a key role for the fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa. This lecture aims to shed light on what is known as normal and abnormal seminal microbiome, what is known about the seminal microbiome in cases of severe male infertility and what lab practitioners should know and expect when treating sperm samples with a positive seminal culture?”

16:00-16:15

The Management Of Sperm Samples With Increased Oxidative Stress And Sperm DNA Fragmentation
Mehmet Engin Enginsu

M.D, Ph.D.

“Is severe male infertility at higher risk for sperm DNA structural deficiencies? This lecture aims to present the available data and the best lab practices and tools for the processing of these spermatozoa to maximize in vitro performance and prognosis for these cases.”

16:15-16:30

A New Standard Of Care In Sperm
Matthew Feldman

MSc, MA

“In 5+ decades of ART, sperm preparation procedures have remained constant: centrifugation. Science shows us there is a better way to prepare sperm. We will look at history and the future and why outcomes matter.”

16:30-17:00

Panel: All There Is To Know And Do When It Comes To The Treatment of Severe Male Infertility
Panel Moderator: N.Christoforidis

Panelists: B.Woodward, M.Feldman, M.Enginsu,  M.Karagianni

During this panel the experts will discuss about the emerging lab technologies and innovations on the treatment of severe male infertility and address what needs to be determined and developed in the future!”

17:00-19:30

Conclusion Remarks, Take Home Messages And Last Minute Comments
19:30
Sunset Cocktail Dinner

Sunday, 19th September 2021

09:00-11:00

Hands-on Sessions 

11:00 – 11:30

Coffee Break

11:30-13:00

Hands-on Sessions 

13:00 – 14:00

Lunch Break

14:00-16:00

Hands-on Sessions 

16:00 – 16:30

Coffee Break

16:30-18:00

 Hands-on Sessions 

18:00-20:00

Conclusion Remarks
Meet And Discuss With The Experts
Farewell Drink

Hands-on Stations 

Hands-on Station 1 :  Testicular Tissue processing
Experts: A.Papatheodorou, M.Moysidou, E.Taki
Dissection of testicular tissue is a very important treatment step and may determine the likelihood of finding testicular spermatozoa in azoospermic men. During this session the experts will demonstrate
and train the participants on the mechanical and enzymatic dissection methods. 

Hands-on Station 2 :  Sperm Slow Cryopreservation in Severe Male Infertility
Experts: C.Oraiopoulou, A.Chatzianastasiou, A.Vorniotaki
Efficient sperm cryopreservation in Severe Male Infertility is of critical importance for the management of these patients. Experts will present the Slow Freezing Method and thawing of samples with severe male infertility. Experts will also present and discuss methods for assessing cryosurvival and monitor the efficiency of a sperm Cryopreservation program.

Hands-on Station 3 :  Sperm vitrification in Severe Male Infertility
Experts: Miki Belenky
Sperm vitrification is an upcoming method of storing of spermatozoa that minimizes cryodamage and provides higher survival rates. Sperm vitrification may become the method of choice when it comes to males suffering from severe male infertility. The Experts during this session will present the sperm vitrification method for limited number of  spermatozoa and share tips and tricks with the participants.

Hands-on Station 4 :  Sperm Selection in Severe Male Infertility
Experts: Mehmet Engin Enginsu
Sperm selection play a crucial role in optimizing paternal factor in ART cycles. During this session methods and tools for optimized sperm selection based on sperm’s maturity and DNA integrity will be presented. The Experts will train the participants on how to use the relevant devices in favor of their patients’ overall prognosis.

Hands-on Station 5: Microfluidics and Sperm Selection in Severe Male Infertility
Experts: Matthew Feldman, Jay Ray
Implementing sperm selection strategies in severe male infertility may increase embryo development performance and overall prognosis. Experts will present the microfluidics device and teach the participants the method of use an all the tips and tricks they need to know in order to improve their patients’ chances for a successful outcome.

Hands-on Station 6: Genetics and Sample preparation steps for the FISH technique
Experts: Glykeria Samolada, Marianna Papadopoulou
FISH technique is currently our only option to assess sperm aneuploidy. During this session the FISH protocol for sperm samples will be presented and all the steps, tricks and tips will be discussed

Hands-on Station 7: Signal interpretation in FISH technique  Experts: Glykeria Samolada, Mary Karagianni
One of the biggest challenges when it comes to the FISH technique is the signal interpretation and final diagnosis. FISH technique is applicable in only a limited number of spermatozoa. Participants will be presented with different real life scenarios of FISH slides and discuss how FISH signals  are interpreted and support clinical decisions.

A Workshop’s brochure will be soon available..

Why should I register

1. Update on all the latest developments in the treatment of male infertility.

2.Hands on training by experts with long  experience in the treatment of severe male infertility

3. Interaction with experts and international networking

4. Certificate of attendance with 13 European CME credits (ECMECs)

5. A free Embryolab Academy membership

 Gold Sponsors

Workshop Sponsors

Workshop Supporters

EMBRYOLAB ACADEMY
173-175 ETHNIKIS ANTISTASEOS ST.,
55134 THESSALONIKI,GREECE
TEL: +30.2310.473000

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Covid-19 pandemic measures

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, "Sever Male Infertility" Workshop will not take place. We will keep you informed here or through our newsletter. Subscribe to our newsletter.

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