Laser Assisted Hatching

What is laser-assisted hatching?

Laser-assisted hatching is used as an adjunct to conventional IVF /ICSI in an effort to improve the implantation of embryos. From the oocyte(egg) to the stage of blastocyst the embryo is surrounded by an outer covering known as Zona pellucida. Before implantation, the embryo has to escape from the ZP, and this process is known as hatching.

The failure of embryo hatching may be one of the factors that may lead to failure of implantation leading to IVF failure. Assisted hatching of human embryos before embryo transfer can be beneficial, especially in cases of cultured embryos with a thick and/or dense ZP By this procedure we create a very small hole in the outer wall of the embryo known as zona pellucida due to which it is anticipated that embryo will stick to the uterine wall better. . I thus increasing the chance of getting pregnant.

Everything You Need to Know About Laser Assisted Hatching

When is Recommended | Procedure | Technique | Advantages | Risks | Success Rate

When is LAH Recommended?

Doctors recommend Laser-assisted hatching :

• women over the age of thirty-seven and above.
• Women with high Follicle Stimulating Hormone level.
• History of one or more IVF failures.
• Poor embryo quality as increased fragmentation, slow-growing embryos, thick zona pellucida.
• In the case of thickened zona as in some cases frozen and thawed embryos.

The Procedure of Laser Assisted Hatching

This process is done by using a laser to create a small hole in the Zona pellucida. The timing of the entire procedure is few milliseconds and zona pellucida gets thinned down around ten microns. This thinning process helps the embryo to escape.

Sub Treatments For IVF

Laser Assisted Hatching Technique

After the IVF procedure, the laser-assisted hatching is carried out just before embryo transfer. . This is the time when the embryo is in the laboratory. Under a microscope, the embryologist uses a laser to soften to breach and make a small hole in the zona pellucida. The timing of the entire procedure is few milliseconds and zona pellucida gets thinned down around ten microns. In this, there is no direct contact between the embryo and laser, and is performed with awesome precision This technique has more control in case of creating a hole. This process is effective and safe as well.

But it needs a skilled and trained embryologist to perform it properly. This is an advanced technology.

Advantages of Laser-Assisted Hatching

1. This process is as fast as it takes only a few milliseconds.
2. It enhances the rate of pregnancy from 50 to 60 percent.
3. No manual is involved in handling this, it is an automated process.
4. The pre-programming of the laser makes the process accurate.
5. It has a better control oven creating a hole in the zona pellucida.

Risks Associated with LAH

• Assisted hatching can cause some complications like it can cause some damage to the embryo and the blastomeres as well.
• It also can create a risk of twin pregnancy or multiple pregnancies, especially monozygotic (identical twins)twinning.

Some people think that LAH can cause a defect in babies but this is wrong. According to doctors, this technique does not cause any congenital disability in the baby

Laser assisted hatching success rates

The rates of clinical pregnancy were thirty-eight percent and the rate of implantation was fifty percent. It increases the rate of successful implantation, pregnancy, and rate of birth. It provides a high chance of getting pregnant for those who faced IVF failures several times. One should consult with their doctors to go forward with it. Each different clinic has its success rate.

What is the Treatment Cost for Laser-Assisted Hatching?

Laser-assisted hatching may increase the cost by 30 to 35 K

Conclusion

Laser-Assisted treatment is a very effective process in medical science. It produces hope in the life of the women who lose hope in case of getting a child. This is a safer and easier way to conceive. It doesn’t take so much time. This process is applicable for women over 38 years. Many people face failures in IVF and this process can be successful. The doctors perform this process with utmost delicacy to make it successful.

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