Assisted Hatching Treatment

It is an advanced technology which creates a hole by breaching the outer hard covering of an embryo. The process is associated with in-vitro fertilization. Through this procedure, an embryologist makes a small hole in the zona Pellucida through this treatment which makes the embryo break out from its outer layer which is called hatching. It also helps to increase the rate of pregnancy by high chance of implantation. Sometimes, it is also done when an embryo biopsy is required for genetic testing.

Females who are more than 37 years of age have to go for this treatment to increase the chances to get pregnant. According to NIH studies, it is shown that the success rate of live birth through hatching is from 27% to 34%.

Benefits of Assisted Hatching

It is helpful to those couples whose IVF cycles have failed in the past. There are some common advantages of using this fertility technique.

• Increases the rate of implantation.
• Increases pregnancy rate.
• It is less invasive as well as a safer procedure than other fertility treatments.

Methods of Assisted Hatching

There are some types of hatching techniques which are mentioned below:-

• Chemical Assisted Hatching

A special solution is used which is named as Tyode’s acid. In the process, an embryo is taken in the pipette. Then a micro needle is used to make a slit in the blastomere-free area of the embryo. This needle is prefilled with Tyrode’s acid and this solution is expelled over the site. It is quickly done to avoid the unnecessary exposure to the acid.

• Mechanical Assisted Hatching

It this process, a needle is used to perforate the zona pellucida. It is done manually by putting friction through a needle against a pipette. This is also known as ‘partial zona dissection’ and it is a little bit risky because it can damage the embryo.

• Laser Assisted Hatching

A high energy laser is used to open the hard shell of the embryo. The zona is drilled by using this high energy beam. This method is a good option because it is more precise and easy to focus on a particular site.

Process of Assisted Hatching

It is mostly done three days after the fertilization. The whole process is completed in the following steps and these are as follows:-

• Embryo Selection:- It is the first step in which an embryologist carefully evaluates its quality and developmental stage. Then the embryo is extracted from the incubator through a pipette on day three.
• Micromanipulation:- This microscopic process is used to make the outer layer of the embryo weak. It is done by adding a solution then it is rinsed and incubated. Then the outer shell is pierced by using the laser. 
• Embryo Transfer:- Now it is transferred into the uterus with the help of a catheter.

Risks of Assisted Hatching

This advanced technique may cause some risks and these are mentioned below:-

• Sometimes, it may not guarantee pregnancy.
• Increase the chances of multiple births.
• Birth defect in rare cases.
• Risks of damage to the embryo.