Laser Assisted Hatching

Nakshatra Clinic

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Laser Assisted Hatching

Overview

By creating a hole in the zona pellucida membrane (the outermost layer of the embryo’s shell), a technique known as laser-assisted hatching aids in the hatching or breaking through of embryos during in vitro fertilization. This layer may become exceptionally thick and/or stiff as a result of the freezing and thawing processes, among other factors.
The greater the ease with which an embryo hatches, the higher the likelihood that the embryo will adhere to the uterine wall or implant in the uterus. The use of laser-assisted hatching may be essential in completing these key phases to successfully establish pregnancy in certain cases.

About Laser Assisted Hatching

Laser Assisted Hatching

To remove the embryo, an embryologist must first create a tiny hole in the embryo’s shell using a microscope so that it may be removed. A few days after fertilization has occurred, the embryo has already begun to cleave, which is usually done three days after the procedure has been completed (divide).
In addition, it takes just a few seconds and has no harmful consequences for the growing fetus. If all goes according to plan, an embryo will be placed in the patient’s uterus where it will continue to grow.

Several advantages of laser-assisted hatching are superior to those of other methods of assisted hatching (chemical and manual), including the following:

  • The embryo is handled as little as possible.
  • Control of the shell opening drilling is quick and precise.
  • It’s mild and safe for the embryo, with no side effects.
  • Broad patient accessibility and clinical advice are provided based on your specific circumstances.

The development of precise methods for manipulating embryos to increase fertility has been made possible by the invention of the laser. The use of laser-assisted hatching may help embryos that have previously failed to embed themselves in the uterine wall succeed this time.

In the case of embryo transfer, assisted hatching is utilized to assist the embryo in hatching from its protective outer shell, known as the zona pellucida, and to aid in the promotion of implantation in the uterine wall. Laser-assisted hatching (LAH) is a technique that removes the zona pellucida in extremely precise increments by using a highly concentrated infrared laser beam.

Before the availability of lasers in therapeutic settings, the only techniques available for assisting the hatching of human embryos in clinical settings were mechanical or chemical approaches. There is less handling of the embryo while using laser-aided hatching compared to the other assisted hatching techniques. Furthermore, since laser-assisted hatching is quicker than the other techniques, the embryo spends less time outside the incubator as a result of the procedure.

If you are having IVF, it does not automatically follow that you will be referred for LAH. According to experts, LAH may increase the chances of a successful pregnancy in certain kinds of couples. Your fertility specialist can decide whether LAH is a good fit for you after reviewing all of your medical records and infertility history with you.

In general, aided hatching may increase the likelihood of a pregnancy in the following circumstances.

  • If you have had two or more unsuccessful IVF rounds, you may be eligible for a free consultation
  • If you have a high FSH level, you should see your doctor
  • There is a problem with the quality of your embryo
  • When you are 37 years old or older
  • Unexplained Infertility

Older women are more likely to develop eggs with a thick zona pellucida, or outer shell than younger women. Females who have a high amount of follicle-stimulating hormones are also affected by this issue (FSH). In such instances, the egg will not hatch and will not be able to connect to the womb. All of these infertility problems may benefit from the use of assisted hatching techniques.

Studies have also shown that frozen or thawed embryos have a hard zona pellucida, making it harder for them to hatch and implant in the uterus. Using laser-assisted hatching, a hole will be created in the outer shell, which will make it easier for the embryo to implant.

It is critical to understand that hatching is a natural process and that in the majority of IVF instances, the embryo implants in the womb after fertilization. It is possible that failure to hatch is an uncommon cause of infertility and that a more contemporary method is required. Additionally, it is important to speak with your reproductive doctor about the advantages and disadvantages of having LAH therapy in your particular situation. You should also consider the extra expense associated with this treatment.