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It is not required for every IVF cycle, but it may be recommended in specific situations to improve outcomes. Your doctor will assess if it’s right for you. Always discuss the benefits and risks with skilled specialists to understand how it fits into your treatment plan.
Assisted Hatching Procedure
Assisted hatching is a fertility procedure used during IVF to help an embryo implant in your uterus. During IVF treatment, eggs are fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. The fertilised eggs are then monitored for three to six days as they divide and form embryos.As an embryo grows, it is enclosed in a protective layer called the zona pellucida. For pregnancy to occur, the embryo must “hatch” out of this shell to attach to the uterine lining. In some cases, the zona pellucida is too thick or hard, which can make hatching difficult and reduce the chances of implantation.
In assisted hatching, a fertility specialist uses a precise technique to create a small opening in the zona pellucida before placing the embryo in your uterus. This makes it easier for the embryo to hatch and implant. The procedure is quick and done in a lab under a microscope.
Who Can Benefit from Assisted Hatching?
Assisted hatching is often recommended if:- You are over 35 years of age
- Have had repeated IVF failures
- Your embryos have a thicker-than-normal zona pellucida
- Poor embryo quality
How is Assisted Hatching Performed?
This procedure can be performed in the following ways:- Laser-assisted hatching: A precise, low-energy laser creates a small opening in the zona pellucida. This is the most common and accurate method as it allows for controlled precision and minimises embryo stress.
- Chemical hatching: A mild acidic solution known as Tyrode’s solution is applied to a specific area of the zona pellucida to dissolve a small portion of the shell. Suction is applied immediately after the zona pellucida is breached to prevent the acidic solution from entering the perivitelline space. The perivitelline space is the area between the zona pellucida and the cell membrane of an oocyte.
Laser-Assisted Hatching with Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
Laser-assisted hatching is a precise procedure in IVF that can be paired with a frozen embryo transfer (FET) to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.In this procedure, the frozen egg is carefully prepared and thawed. The embryologist positions the embryo at a safe distance from the laser to minimise any risk of cellular damage. A laser beam is then focused on the outer shell of the embryo. The reflection of the laser beam creates a small hole in the embryo. This hole measures 5 to 10 microns and forms within just 0.8 milliseconds, improving the embryo's ability to hatch.
Each laser-assisted hatching procedure is performed on a single embryo. Typically, 2 to 3 embryos undergo this process, with the best one being selected for transfer into the uterus. The application of laser-assisted hatching in FET ensures that the embryo aligns properly with the endometrial cavity, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Cost of Laser-Assisted Hatching
The cost of laser-assisted hatching ranges from Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000. This advanced procedure is considered cost-effective as it enhances the success rates of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). It also improves implantation chances and promotes healthy pregnancies and birth rates.The cost of laser-assisted hatching is typically much higher in Western countries than in Asia.
Advantages of Laser-Assisted Hatching
A major advantage of this laser is its ability to avoid the genetic mutations that have been linked to other UV-contact lasers. This feature has contributed to making it a highly valuable tool in ART. The benefits of laser-assisted hatching include:- It offers high accuracy.
- Compared to other hatching methods, it is simpler, faster, and safer.
- It reduces the chances of manual errors.
- It helps embryos in hatching and attaching to the uterine lining, increasing pregnancy chances.
- The process is completed in just 0.8 milliseconds.
- It boosts the success rates of IVF, ICSI, and FET.
Success Rates of Assisted Hatching
The live birth rate is around 28 per cent for women not using assisted hatching. In contrast, for those who undergo assisted hatching, the live birth rate ranges between 27 and 34 per cent.Can Assisted Hatching Harm the Embryo or Affect Pregnancy?
Yes, there is a small risk that the embryo could be damaged and become unusable. There is also a slightly higher chance of having identical twins, which could lead to complications like preterm birth or low birth weight. But these risks are generally low and differ depending on individual factors.It has been reported that creating a complete hole through the entire zona pellucida may interfere with the blastocyst's expansion or cause loss of blastomeres. This could also increase the risk of bacterial contamination or an immunological response. Moreover, assisted hatching has been linked to a slightly higher risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Assisted hatching helps the embryo implant in the uterus, which can improve the chances of a successful IVF and lead to a healthy pregnancy. It is a valuable option for those facing challenges like advanced maternal age or repeated IVF failures. Though the risks are low, it is important to carefully consider the benefits and consult with a specialist before opting for this procedure.
FAQs
- What is assisted hatching in IVF?
Assisted hatching is a fertility technique where a small opening is created in the embryo’s protective shell to help it hatch and implant in the uterus. - Who should consider assisted hatching?
This procedure is often recommended for women over 35, those with repeated IVF failures, embryos with thicker-than-normal shells, or poor embryo quality. - Can assisted hatching improve the chances of pregnancy?
Yes, it can improve implantation rates and enhance the chances of a successful pregnancy in ICSI, IVF, and frozen embryo transfers.
