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Assisted Embryo Hatching

Assisted hatching is a relatively new technique used during certain IVF procedures. It is performed in order to help an embryo hatch out of its protective layering and implant into the uterus.Assisted hatching is an IVF technique in which the zona is treated prior to embryo transfer in order to weaken the wall of the embryo and thus improve the likelihood of successful hatching and embryo implantation.

Initial controlled trials at New York-Cornell Medical College showed a marked increase in implantation in women over age 35 and particularly over 38 or with an elevated FSH level on day 3 of the menstrual cycle. Couples with multiple failed IVF cycles also appear to benefit from assisted hatching. Assisted hatching may be helpful in these infertile couples because their embryos lack sufficient energy to complete the "hatching" process. It is thought that some women may fail multiple cycles of IVF because their eggs have a thicker shell, therefore they have a better prognosis with assisted hatching. In addition, hatched embryos implant one day early, which may allow a greater opportunity for implantation to occur.

Assisted Hatching Indications

• Elevated maternal age.
• Elevated follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] level.
• Evidence of a thickened zone pellucida of the embryos in IVF.
• Unexplained implantation failure after two or more embryo transfers.

Who Can Go For Assisted Hatching ?

1. Advanced maternal age.
2. Couples who have repeated IVF failures.
3. Women with Elevated basal FSH.
4. Couples who have thick Zona pellucida.
5. Frozen thowed embryo.
6. Excessive fragmentation >20%.

Advantages of the Assisted Hatching Procedure

Many couples elect to pursue assisted hatching during their IVF procedures. This is because the technique is associated with a number of benefits including:

• fewer embryos required for transfer
• increased implantation success rates
• allows for blastocyst culture

How is Assisted Hatching Performed ?

Assisted hatching is a very delicate procedure, requiring immense skill. It is performed using micromanipulation techniques, under a microscope, during the fourth day of embryo development.
The embryo is first placed in a petrie dish containing culture solution. A special pipette is then used to hold the embryo in place. The embryologist takes a hollow needle that contains an acidic solution and places it next to the zona pellicuda. A tiny bit of this acidic solution is released from the needle so that it comes into contact with the zona pellicuda. This acidic solution begins to slowly digest the protective layering, creating a small hole. The embryo is then washed in a special solution and placed back inside an incubator until embryo transfer can take place.

Success Rates of Assisted Hatching

Assisted hatching is associated with a fairly high success rate, especially when performed by a skilled micromanipulator. In fact, pregnancy rates are as high as 49% in women who are between the ages of 35 and 39. Women who are over the age of 40 generally have lower success rates, but assisted hatching still provides them with a better opportunity for conception than would IVF performed without the procedure.