The Assisted Embryo Hatching technique was in 1990 at Cornell University, New York by a team headed by Dr. Jacques Cohen. This is a technique that is an added one in conjunction with IVF or ICSI.
If a women’s embryos are unable to hatch themselves then assisted hatching is recommended to boost pregnancy success. At Conceive Gynecology and Fertility Hospital, An embryologist observes the embryo’s shape and zona characteristics to determine the embryos to be selected for Assisted Hatching.
This technique may be carried out for women who:
Are 35 years or older
Have embryos with thick Zona Pellucida
Have had repeated implantation failures while using frozen replaced embryos
How is Assisted Embryo Hatching Performed?
Assisted embryo hatching is a delicate process performed with the help of micromanipulation techniques and under a microscope only after the third day of embryo development. The embryo formed as a result of fertilization is covered by a gel-like shell called the ZonaPellucida. In the laboratory, this ZonaPellucida is weakened by a LASER beam in an attempt to create a hole in it. This allows for the existing embryo within escaping easily and implant in the woman’s uterine lining (called the Endometrium). Successful implantation means pregnancy.
Benefits of the Assisted Hatching Procedure
Couples choose to pursue assisted embryo hatching during their IVF treatment process because pregnancy rates have increased up to two times in those couples who have elected this process.