Time Lapse

CCM-CHRONOS™

CCM-CHRONOS™

Making Success the Standard in Fertility Treatment

With this vision, Astec developed CCM-CHRONOS™, our advanced time-lapse incubator. Designed to create a stress-free environment, it maintains precise temperature while continuously observing the earliest stages of embryo development without interruption.

Features

"Emboss Contrast" – A New Observation Method Specialized for Embryo Imaging

In conventional bright-field observation, the delicate contours and structures of embryos often remain indistinct and difficult to define. To address this challenge, Astec's CCM-CHRONOS™, in collaboration with Nikon, introduces a breakthrough in illumination: a novel observation method known as Emboss Contrast. Wavelengths were carefully selected to minimize phototoxic effects on embryos; the optical system has been refined to ensure shadows and contours are rendered accurately; and observation reliability is enhanced through seamless integration of autofocus, depth stacking, and contrast adjustment.

Drawer System Designed for Peace of Mind – The Full-Slide Drop-Off System

CCM-CHRONOS™ was carefully engineered to support the daily routine of inserting and retrieving dishes with the highest level of reliability and safety. Equipped with a gas-pressure-activated seal requiring deliberate operation to open, it allows complete and safe removal of culture dishes while maintaining environmental stability even during access, minimizing thermal loss and gas fluctuations. Its modular design supports rapid disassembly and sanitation for stringent hygiene protocols.

Optimized Incubator System – Minimal Fluctuation, Maximum Stability

CCM-CHRONOS™ provides silent, precise monitoring of critical parameters that influence embryo culture and development. It minimizes fluctuations in temperature (±0.2°C precision control) and gas concentration to near-imperceptible levels. Real-time monitoring and control via advanced sensors with automatic gas mixture adjustment ensures rapid recovery from temporary fluctuations caused by drawer access. Engineered for uninterrupted performance, it maintains stable culture conditions even during extended unmanned operation.

Dedicated Dish – SureGrip™ EmbryoPod or EmbryoGrid IVF Dish

The SureGrip™ EmbryoPod sets a new standard in ergonomic handling with a micro-ribbed, anti-slip surface and 15 wells for high capacity. The EmbryoGrid IVF Dish features a central grid of 25 microwells allowing embryos to share the same culture media while providing individual monitoring, a lid optimized for oil overlay culture, and six outer working wells. Both dishes are fully compatible with CCM-CHRONOS™ and integrate seamlessly with the dedicated incubator tray.

Highlights

Astec Image Intelligence – High-Precision Software for Observation, Recording, and Analysis

The upgraded Astec Image Intelligence software goes beyond simple image capture and data storage. It integrates advanced capabilities—including image enhancement, auto-focus, and time-lapse analysis—to convert subtle changes into meaningful insights. Time-Lapse Mode continuously and chronologically records embryo development throughout the observation period, enabling quantitative tracking of events such as cleavage timing and division speed. Conditions such as time, focus, and magnification are automatically recorded, and images and videos can be shared externally via network connection.

Astec Image Intelligence – High-Precision Software for Observation, Recording, and Analysis 1Astec Image Intelligence – High-Precision Software for Observation, Recording, and Analysis 2Astec Image Intelligence – High-Precision Software for Observation, Recording, and Analysis 3Astec Image Intelligence – High-Precision Software for Observation, Recording, and Analysis 4

10 Drawers in One Compact Unit

CCM-CHRONOS™ houses 10 fully independent incubation drawers in a single compact footprint, enabling simultaneous culture of up to 150 embryos. Each drawer operates independently, so opening one has no impact on the others, ensuring uninterrupted culture conditions across all patients.

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Available in 5 Color Variations

CCM-CHRONOS™ is available in five distinct color options to match the aesthetic of any IVF laboratory environment: Black, White, Blue, Pink, and Green.

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Specification

Main body

External dimensions
(W) 680 mm × (D) 588 mm × (H) 370 mm
Weight
Approx. 55 kg
Power supply voltage
AC 110V - 120V, AC 220V - 240V, 50Hz/60Hz
Rated power consumption
320W
Stabilized power consumption
100Wh

Culture – Temperature control

Temperature control range
36.0°C – 38.0°C
Temperature accuracy
± 0.1°C
Temperature fluctuation range
± 0.1°C
Temperature uniformity
± 0.1°C

Culture – Gas specifications

CO₂ gas control range
3.0% – 10.0%
CO₂ gas accuracy
± 0.2%
CO₂ recovery speed & fluctuation
± 0.2%
O₂ gas control range
3.0% – 10.0%
O₂ gas accuracy
± 0.2%
O₂ gas fluctuation range
± 0.2%
CO₂ consumption
1 L/h
N₂ consumption
5 L/h

Imaging

Image save resolution
2,048 pixel × 2,048 pixel
Image save format
JPEG
Image save capacity
Approx. 250 kB/image
Camera resolution
5 Megapixels (2,448 pixel × 2,048 pixel)
Pixel size
3.45 µm × 3.45 µm
Sensor size
2/3 inch
Shutter type
Global Shutter
Stage position accuracy
2 µm
Minimum capture interval
Up to 150 embryos: 15 mins / 151+ embryos: Maximum 30 mins
Maximum number of slices
11 slices

Thermal insulation performance (Room temperature at 25°C)

Temperature warm-up time
30 mins
Temperature recovery after 30s door opening
15 mins
Impact on other drawers (30s door opening)
Within ±0.1°C
CO₂ concentration stabilization time
15 mins
CO₂ recovery after 30s door opening
10 mins
Impact on adjacent drawers (30s door opening)
±0.2%
O₂ concentration stabilization time
30 mins
O₂ recovery after 30s door opening
10 mins
Impact on other drawers (30s door opening, O₂)
±0.2%

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