Assisted Embryo Hatching
Assisted Hatching (AH) is an Advanced Reproductive Technique used in conjunction with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to enhance the probability of successful embryo implantation. Assisted Hatching is indicated in women undergoing IVF:- Who are 37 years of age are older.
- When thickened zonae and/or fragmentation are noted in a prior or current IVF cycle, regardless of age, and
- Less often, may be used when normal embryo development occurs in prior IVF attempts without positive pregnancy outcomes.
Assisted Hatching is performed on day three after egg retrieval (ER), when the embryo is about eight cells. An acidic solution is loaded into a hatching pipette. With a micromanipulation microscope, this solution etches a small opening in the zona pellucida (the outer membrane of the fertilized egg). This opening aids in the hatching process of the embryo, and is therefore called “assisted hatching.” All embryos must hatch prior to implanting in the uterine wall. The assisted embryos are then transferred to the patient’s uterus in a normal Embryo Transfer.
Benefits of Assisted Hatching
Assisted Embryo Hatching can improve the success of an in vitro fertilization cycle by aiding in the implantation of the embryo into the uterine wall. Our embryologist has years of experience performing this difficult procedure. The use of advanced techniques such as Assisted Hatching and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) contribute to our high IVF success rates at Reproductive Fertility Center.
If you have any questions about this or any other infertility procedures at Reproductive Fertility Center, please Contact Us or Schedule a Consultation today!
