Laser Assisted Hatching

Laser Assisted Hatching

An essential stage of implantation is hatching. Embryos are usually protected by an outer covering or shell called the Zona pellucida. The zona thins at the time of implantation, allowing the embryo to emerge from its shell and attach to the womb. The failure of the embryos to emerge from the egg could be one of the causes of recurring IVF failure.

What exactly is Assisted Hatching?

The Zona pellucida's outer shell must be thinned or a hole should be drilled in order to facilitate assisted hatching. In the early stages of embryo development (on day 3), when they are in the 6-8 cell stage, or on day 5 when they are in the blastocyst stage, it is carried out prior to embryo transfer.

Methods of Assisted Hatching

• Mechanical
• Chemical (Acid Tyrode)
• Enzyme (Pronase)
• Laser