Laser Assisted Hatching

Why Laser Assisted Hatching is Preferable for IVF Patients

The advent of innovative laser technology has allowed most gynaecologists to develop precision techniques for manipulating embryos and improving fertility. Doctors mainly use assisted Hatching to hatching embryos from their outer shells and promoting uterine wall implantation after transferring embryos. In Laser Assisted Hatching, a focused laser beam removes the outer shell referred to as zona pellucida. This type of Hatching thus involves relatively less embryo handling as compared to any other hatching methods. Even LAH is somewhat faster because the embryo needs less time while staying outside from the incubator.

Which Type of Candidates may Undergo Laser Assisted Hatching

Every patient may undergo Laser-Assisted Hatching, but the best-suited candidates are-

• Patients more than 37 years of age
• Patients producing follicle at a high level
• Patients who have an FSH stimulating hormone early during their cycles
• Patients who experienced failure in their previous IVF cycles
• Patients tend to produce thick or hard zona pellucida

Steps involved in Laser Assisted Hatching

Laser-Assisted Hatching is a simple and easy two-step procedure that follows the retrieval of various cryopreserved embryos. Details of the steps are as follows-

Light Pulsing

Gynaecologists and other doctors conduct the hatching process for each of the embryos separately. At the first step, the embryo’s framing occurs by a light circle that indicates the circumference across which the laser light beams. After this, laser rays will start pulsing a specific part of the beam’s circumference. This will dissolve a particular part of one’s embryonic shell. Doctors conduct the process delicately to make sure that the emitted heat from laser light does not transfer to embryo cells.

Implantation

The embryologist identifies two different embryos to insert the uterus. Later, the embryo implants in the uterine line on its own during the following days.

Benefits of Laser Assisted Hatching

• Laser-Assisted Hatching has the following significant benefits.
  It gives minimum embryo handling.
• Provides the right and the fastest possible control on drilling or cracking the shell opening
• The method is safe and does not cause any adverse effect on one’s embryo.

Right Time to Conduct LAH to Assure of Embryo Safety

Doctors conduct a Laser-Assisted Hatching procedure on the third day after a patient undergoes the IVF cycle if the embryo continues to stay in the lab. The technique involves the use of a special laser for creating a breach within zona pellucida. Laser technology provides a controlled approach and is one of the safest possible hatching methods. Even though a small crack in zona pellucida is an easy method, it consists of various precise procedures and requires a skilled technician.

The embryology lab thus requires various special instruments to conduct the innovative procedure within only a few seconds. In Laser Assisted Hatching, laser shots make the zona pellucida soft to create a crack or opening. However, embryologist makes sure to avoid the direct contact of laser beams with the embryos and thereby, perform the process by assuring their safety to the utmost level.

Based on simplicity in the process and benefits, the laser has proved superior compared to manual and chemical Hatching.