Reproductive Resource Center of Greater Kansas City (RRC) is a regional infertility and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) clinic providing a complete portfolio of fertility services for the greater Kansas City and Midwest area.

According to the Web site (www.rrc.com), one married couple in six confronts infertility, which is clinically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. The Web site goes on to say that most causes of infertility are identifiable and treatable. Not everyone will need high-tech treatment for infertility. Long-established medical treatments and surgical procedures will successfully treat the problem for about half of these couples; others may need more advanced treatment modalities such as IVF/Assisted Reproductive Technology (IVF/ART).

Since its beginning in 1988, thousands of babies have been born to RRC patients. Two of the newest arrivals are not human babies, but are exciting just the same. The first is 3D ultrasonography, while the second is Automated Volume Calculation, or AVC. “These are exciting innovations that patients are going to love,” shares RRC’s Medical Director Dr. Celeste Brabec.

Dr. Brabec, who has been with RRC for over a decade, completed a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Harvard Medical School, and has practiced in the specialty area of reproductive endocrinology and infertility since 1997. She held the position of assistant professor at Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska from 1997 until she joined RRC in September 1999.

Dr. Brabec is a board certified Diplomate of both the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Subspecialty Board of Reproductive Endocrinology. She is also a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. She is listed among Who’s Who in the 21st Century of Outstanding Contributors in the field of reproductive endocrinology.

Three-dimensional or 3D ultrasonography, explains Dr. Brabec, is one example of some of the recent innovations in the field of ultrasonography. This new technology improves diagnostic accuracy and optimizes visualization of the uterus and ovaries. Her colleague, Dr. Ryan Riggs, shares Dr. Brabec’s enthusiasm for these new advances in technology. Dr. Riggs completed his fellowship at the renowned Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine in 2009, and joined RRC in July of that same year. He states that in addition to improved diagnostic accuracy and optimal visualization of the uterus and ovaries, 3D ultrasonography may also prevent unnecessary surgery because it provides the physician with additional information that would not otherwise be available.

Dr. Riggs explains that this new technology is something akin to an ultrasound CT scan or MRI because it can process 3D pictures that can be manipulated to allow for multiple views. He goes on to say that this technology first began with 3D ultrasounds that were used in obstetrics. This new application is now being used in reproductive medicine. Three-dimensional ultrasonography became available to RRC patients beginning in June 2010. Dr. Riggs points out that RRC is one of the few places in town—if not the only one—to offer this innovative technology.

AVC standardizes and objectifies the follicle measurement process, Dr. Riggs explains, by automatically measuring and calculating the number and volume of ovarian follicles. He says that the probe itself is a mini computer that “sweeps” the area of interest to produce a 3D image, giving greater anatomical detail of the ovaries and the follicles within them. Dr. Riggs goes on to say that follicles can sometimes get “smashed.” Having a 3D image is important because it enables the physician to differentiate between follicles, and provides for the ability to follow follicular development throughout the cycle.

Dr. Riggs points out that AVC’s standardized process is less subjective than other methods because it actually calculates the measurement of the follicles. Each fluid-filled follicle contains hormone-producing cells and a maturing ovum or egg. The visualization allowed with this new technology means the physician is better able to determine the best time to take the patient to surgery to retrieve the eggs. Improved timing of egg retrieval may ultimately improve pregnancy outcomes, he adds.

In addition to the clinical advantages AVC offers, the results are provided in an easy-to-view report that the physician is able to share with the patient. Because the information obtained during the procedure itself is processed after the patient leaves the office, the time the patient is actually required to be present decreases, he says. This results in a simpler, shorter office visit for the patient.

Dr. Riggs is a board certified Diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and he is board eligible for the Subspecialty Board of Reproductive Endocrinology. He is a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, and the Endocrine Society.

Dr. Riggs believes that the physicians at RRC are on the cutting-edge in the field of assisted reproductive medicine, and that they have the most innovative technology to optimally care for their patients. He says that what really sets RRC apart from other reproductive medical practices in the area is the staff’s experience and training. He emphasizes that RRC not only has the technology, but the experience as to the proper and appropriate uses of that technology. “We are able to ‘harness’ the equipment we have,” he explains, “which results in a safer, more effective experience for the patient.”
The physicians at RRC encourage you to learn how successful they have been in treating even the most challenging patients. Couples are often referred to RRC by other physicians who may have initiated an evaluation or treatment of infertility issues. The physicians at RRC work closely with these referring physicians in order to keep them informed of every aspect of their patients’ care. Once treatment at RRC is completed, the patient is referred back to their original physician.

RRC is a member of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technologies (SART). Its IVF laboratory is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) in collaboration with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Its andrology and endocrine laboratories are accredited by the Commission on Office Laboratory Accreditation (COLA).
The Reproductive Resource Center of Greater Kansas City is located at 12200 West 106th Street, Suite 120 at the intersection of I-435 and Quivira in Overland Park. The phone number is 913-894-2323. In-depth information about infertility, as well as the various treatment options that are available at RRC, can be found on the Web site at www.rrc.com.