Technology spotlight: Assisted Hatching
An unsuccessful round of in vitro fertilization (IVF) is frustrating & discouraging for patients as well as their care team, especially after several attempts. A common reason that IVF is unsuccessful is that the embryo fails to implant properly in the uterus.
One of the methods that is used to help improve implantation rates is known as ‘assisted hatching’. Assisted hatching may be recommended to those who have experienced multiple failed IVF cycles as an additional process in an attempt to increase IVF success.
What is Assisted hatching?
When an embryo is formed, both naturally or through IVF, it is surrounded by a matrix of proteins known as the zona pellucida. In order for implantation to occur, the embryo must hatch from it’s protein shell.
Assisted hatching is a lab technique done by embryologists to create a small opening in the zona pellucida allowing the embryo to hatch more easily. There are many methods for an embryologist to use when performing assisted hatching procedures, though the most commonly used is laser-assisted hatching.
Some examples of assisted hatching methods include:
- Mechanical Hatching
- Chemical Hatching
- Drilling
- Laser-assisted hatching
Does assisted hatching affect the implantation of the embryo?
In the past, assisted hatching was a controversial subject. Some thought that manually removing an embryo’s protective shell might make it more susceptible to damage. However, studies have recently shown that removing this layer is a perfectly safe procedure because the shell is not a living component of the embryo. Laser hatching appears to be superior to chemical hatching, where a small amount of acid is applied to the embryo’s shell. The use of laser technology increases the precision of the removal while minimizing heat exposure and duration of the procedure, significantly eliminating any risk of embryo damage.