Laser-assisted hatching is a technique (used in IVF) in which the developed embryos are assisted to hatch (before the embryo transfer procedure) to enhance their chances of embryo implantation.
What is laser assisted hatching?
A human embryo has a soft outer ‘shell’ called the zona pellucida (or zona for short). When an embryo is 5-6 days old and is at the stage known as a blastocyst, it needs to escape or hatch out of the zona to implant in the womb. If the embryo does not hatch, a pregnancy cannot occur.
Laser-assisted hatching is a technique whereby a small artificial hole is made in the zona of an embryo using a laser so that it can easily hatch through the hole and proceed to implantation.
IVF with laser-assisted hatching can be ideal for those:
- Patients who may produce embryos in which the zona is thickened or hardened, making it difficult or impossible for the embryo to implant
- Patients who have had several embryo transfers without success
- Patients who are older
Are there any risks with laser-assisted hatching?
There is always some risk of damaging embryos with these types of procedures.
References:
- https://www.liverpoolwomens.nhs.uk/media/3450/laser-assisted-hatching-information-leaflet.pdf