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This process causes thinning of the outer shell, zona pellucida of the embryo before transferring them into the womb. This helps the embryo to hatch out easily during implantation. It may increase the chances of pregnancy in some but not all IVF.
In natural conception, as soon as an egg is fertilized by a single sperm, the outer wall of the egg, zona pellucida thickens to prevent entry of other sperms. This fertilized egg travels down the fallopian tube to reach the uterus, the fertilized egg hatches or comes out of this thick zona pellucida and implantation takes place in the uterus 6-7 days after fertilization. Assisted hatching is based on the same principle, when an egg is fertilized by the sperm in a laboratory, it forms an embryo which is covered by zona pellucida. With assisted hatching, a small hole is created in zona pellucida on day 3 or day 5 before embryo transfer which allows embryo to hatch out of the zona pellucida and attaches to the walls of the uterus.
All IVF patients don’t require assisted hatching. Assisted hatching has demonstrated the potential for improving embryo implantation rates, and clinical pregnancy rates in selected patient groups undergoing IVF. Assisted hatching is recommended for:
Women above 37 years
Women with elevated FSH on day 3 of their menstrual cycle
Couples with failed IVF cycles or Unexplained infertility
Couples whose embryos have a particularly thick zona pellucida
Hatching using acid Tyrode’s solution – The embryo is stabilized using a holding pipette, a small hole is created in the zona pellucida, using another pipette which contains acidified Tyrode’s solution. The embryos are returned to the incubator till the embryo transfer.
Hatching via mechanical means – Such as partial zona dissection (PZD) using a glass micro needle.
Hatching with a laser diode – A 15 – 20 µ hole is made, Using 1.48 micron infrared diode laser, laser hatching takes less time , less exposure to toxic chemicals and, lesser mechanical force is required. Even the size of the gap can be controlled as it is computer operated. However, it requires great skill and precision to do laser hatching. The specifically designed laser system includes the laser, which serves as the energy source to create an opening in the zona pellucida, and a computer which allows the operator to precisely control the laser energy output, laser pulse duration, and the gap size.
Assisted Hatching is a newer technique and requires expertise, the success depends on embryologist experience. It is important to discuss with your fertility expert before getting it done.
