Assisted Hatching for Embryos

Assisted Hatching for Embryos

Assisted Hatching for Embryos: When an egg is fertilized in the laboratory, the cells begin to divide. During these initial stages of development, the embryo is contained in a layer of proteins known as the zona pellicuda. It is a newer lab technique that was developed when fertility experts observed that embryos with a thin zona pellucida had a higher rate of implantation during IVF. With assisted hatching, an embryologist uses micromanipulation under a microscope to create a small hole in the zona pellucida. This happens on the fourth day of embryo development when the embryos contain an average of six to eight cells.

                Assisted Hatching

The embryos are stabilized by a holding pipette, and on the opposite side, a small pipette containing an acidified solution creates a small defect in the zona pellucida.

We use the latest cutting-edge laser technology to provide our patients with the fastest, safest and most uniform way of Assisted Hatching available today referred to as Laser Assisted Hatching.
During Laser Assisted Hatching, the outer shell of the embryo is breached by firing a few laser pulses. The laser is fired far away from the cells of the embryo so that the cells are not damaged. This process only takes a few seconds to complete per embryo minimizing the time each embryo is exposed outside of the incubator.

Once the resultant embryos are performed after IVF procedure at least 50 % of embryos undergo laser assisted hatching under infrared 1.48 microns diode laser. Day 2 / Day 3 embryos are placed in droplets of specially designed media under oil. Through specially designed laser equipment this is performed at least one hour before embryo transfer.