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Laser Assisted Hatching

Assisted hatching is a technique where a gap is made in the zona, surrounding the embryo. Early stage embryos are surrounded by an outer shell, zona pellucida, which protects embryonic cells. When the developing embryo reaches the uterus, it has to break out or “hatch” out of its zona pellucida in order to successfully implant and continue its development. In some IVF cases, it is necessary to improve the ability of the embryo to hatch out of its shell by reducing the thickness of the zona pellucida (assisted hatching).

More on Laser Assisted Hatching

 

Some studies have shown that assisted hatching can improve success rates in cases, such as:laser hatching

→  After embryo freeze-thaw procedures.

→  Advanced maternal age (>37 years old).

→  Patients with elevated Day 3 follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

→  Thick and/or abnormal egg shell.

→  Poor quality/slow developing embryos.

→  Embryos exhibiting excessive fragmentation.

→  Recurrent IVF failure or 2 or more previous failed IVF cycles.

→  Increased thickness of zona pellucida.

Assisted hatching is performed, using laser technology, just before embryo transfer when the number of embryos to be transferred has been determined. It is a fast, simple and safe for the embryo procedure.