Embryo’s ability to develop and implant depends entirely on the quality of male and female reproductive cells (spermatozoa and eggs), as well as on some internal characteristics of the embryo, like cytoplasm quality or genetic status.
Though, even high-quality embryos with high development potential are not always able to implant properly due to some circumstances. On the stage of the blastocyst, the embryo has to leave (hatch) the pellucid zone before the implantation. This process is called hatching (from the English word “hatch”).
If blastocyst doesn’t hatch completely, it may not implant. To prevent such problems, assisted hatching is applied. It is a procedure to help embryo to leave the zona pellucida and implant in the endometrium of the uterus.
The following types of assisted hatching are applied in IVF:
The laser-assisted method is the safest and the most commonly applied option. Laser-assisted hatching is used in most of the cases and provides the best results.
Indications for assisted hatching are as follows:
Generally, indications or contraindications for laser-assisted hatching should be analysed for every individual case, taking into consideration a woman’s health. Based on test results, the doctor can suggest applying this procedure to facilitate embryo implantation in the uterine cavity.
Unlike chemical and other types of hatching, laser-assisted hatching is an advanced and safe method. Laser safety is associated with the innovative system: the finest beam of the device makes the zona pellucida thinner without any contact or harm to the embryo to facilitate further implantation.
This procedure is performed using a high-tech laser device with digital control, special image processing and high-quality optical lens. Using the laser device, it is possible to do this procedure quickly and safely without any further complications for the embryo. The procedure takes place on a day when the embryo is transferred into the uterine cavity of the mother-to-be.
The Centre for Reproductive Medicine PARENS-Ukraine offers you to use assisted hatching in IVF programs to sufficiently improve expected results. Our specialists perform this safe and effective procedure on a regular basis. We would like to emphasize on the fact that assisted hatching should be considered for every individual case of IVF procedure. Hatching is applied only at the patient’s consent after consultation with the fertility doctor.