Treatment

Laser Assisted Hatching

Laser Assisted Hatching

Laser-assisted hatching is an advanced technique utilised in the field of assisted reproductive technology (ART) to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. Under this technique, the embryologist creates a hole in the wall of the embryo before it is implanted into the uterus.

It is an advanced technique to improve IVF success rates by increasing the likelihood of implantation. This process is recommended for women over 37 years old, who have failed one or more IVF attempts, females with a baseline high amount of follicle-stimulating hormone and frozen embryos and embryos with thick wall.

Why is Laser Assisted Hatching (LAH) Done?

Laser-assisted hatching may not be recommended in every IVF procedure, but there are certain cases where the technique may be beneficial and improve the success rate of IVF.

Advanced maternal age

A woman is born with a set number of eggs. As she ages, both the quantity and quality of these eggs decrease and the zona pellucida can become thicker. Therefore, the use of the LAH technique can create an opening in the zona pellucida. This can help the embryos hatch and implant more effectively.

Thick or hardened zona pellucida

In some cases, women with hard zona pellucida can make it difficult for embryos to hatch out of the shell and complete the process of implantation. With the help of laser-assisted hatching, a small hole is made in the zona pellucida, which increases the likelihood of successful implantation.

Previous IVF failures

If a couple has had multiple failed IVF cycles despite having good-quality eggs, then LAH is considered to create an opening in the zona pellucida, increasing the chance of implantation and pregnancy.

Laser-assisted hatching is also recommended in conditions such as unexplained fertility and if you have increased FSH levels.
If you’re having any of these conditions, talk to your fertility specialist to provide options based on your condition.

Procedure for Laser-Assisted Hatching

Laser-assisted hatching is a technique used in IVF and is carried out while the embryo is still in the lab. This procedure is done to improve the chances of embryo implantation, and here’s what the procedure includes:

Embryo selection

The very first step in the process includes the selection of embryos. After the fertilisation of eggs with sperm in the lab, the embryos are cultured for some days. The development of the embryos is monitored by the embryologist, and then the most suitable embryos are selected for the transfer.

Creation of a hole in the zona pellucida

Zona pellucida is the outer membrane surrounding the embryo. After the selection of the embryos, the embryologist uses a laser beam carefully directed at a specific point on the zona pellucida to create a hole that allows the embryos to hatch from their protective shell.

Embryo transfer

After the successful procedure of laser-assisted hatching, the embryos are then implanted in the woman’s uterus for further development.

Benefits of Laser-Assisted Hatching

There are several advantages to laser-assisted hatching, and they include the following: 

Increase the chance of implantation

Laser-assisted hatching can make it easier for the embryo to hatch from its protective layer and attach to the uterine lining by creating an opening in the zona pellucida. This improves the chance of successful embryo implantation and pregnancy.

Embryo screening

During the laser-assisted hatching process, embryologists can identify various genetic or chromosomal abnormalities or any specific gene defects by doing embryo biopsy which reduces the risk of passing on genetic disorders to the offspring.

Reduce the chance of multiple pregnancies

The laser-assisted hatching technique involves selecting the most viable embryos for transferring back into the woman’s uterus. This process limits the number of embryos that have to be implanted. That’s why laser-assisted hatching can reduce the chance of multiple pregnancies.

Laser-assisted hatching is an effective technique in the IVF process that enhances embryo implantation, improves pregnancy rates, and also reduces the risk of multiple pregnancies. Therefore, consulting the best fertility clinic in Lucknow is crucial to avoid any risks during the procedure.

Dr Hina Ali

MBBS (Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi), MS (University College Of Medical Sciences & GTB hospital, Delhi)

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