Laser Assisted Hatching

What Is Laser Assisted Hatching?

Laser-assisted hatching is a laboratory procedure in IVF cycles that assists an embryo in completing its natural hatching process. When an embryo is at the blastocyst stage (Day 5) or cleavage stage (Day 3) in IVF, a laser embryo hatching technique is performed to thin or break a portion of the zona pellucida - the shell surrounding the embryo - to help with the embryo's hatching process and subsequent attachment to the uterine lining.

The assisted-hatching laser technique is far superior to the older methods, like using chemicals or other mechanical means, as it is more accurate and has less potential for embryo damage. It takes place under the watchful eye of experienced supervisors using highly advanced technology. It is recommended for women with multiple IVF cycle failures or who are in the advanced age category.

Who Can Benefit from Laser-Assisted Hatching?

Not all IVF patients require this procedure. However, certain groups may experience improved outcomes with the help of laser-assisted hatching.

1. Women Over 35 Years:

   The quality of a woman's eggs may also deteriorate with age. The zona pellucida thickens as a result of this drop in egg quality, which may also have a negative impact on the embryo's capacity to hatch. Taking LAH into consideration for women over 35 may be beneficial.

2. History of Failed IVF Cycles:

   Repeated failed embryo transfers may represent a sign that the embryo is having difficulty hatching from the shell and subsequently embedding into the uterus lining. For couples with a history of repeated failed IVF cycles, LAH presents a glimmer of hope.

3. Frozen Embryo Transfers:

   Additionally, the zona pellucida may become harder due to cryopreserved and thawed tissues, which might make it more difficult for embryos to hatch during IVF.

4. Embryos with Thick Zona Pellucida:

   Some embryos develop a naturally thicker zona pellucida, which can cause a barrier to zygotic development. In these circumstances, LAH is most effective, where a small and precise opening can be administered, which facilitates hatching and growth while minimising damage to the delicate embryo.

5. Certain Fertility Conditions:

   Women with endometriosis, PCOS, or unexplained infertility may have embryos that benefit from additional support.

Benefits of Laser-Assisted Hatching in IVF

• The laser-assisted hatching procedure offers several key benefits that contribute to higher success rates in IVF:
• For the embryo, it helps to break out of the shell and attach firmly to the uterus when the zona is too thick.
• The procedure is quick and minimally invasive, and does not disturb the embryo, and has minimal impact.
• It improves the chance of implantation in women who’ve had previous IVF failures.
• Some highly advanced fertility lab equipment and systems promote precision while enhancing safety.
• Laser embryo hatching is a well-documented technique to improve embryo-to-endometrial contact for conception.

Laser Assisted Hatching Procedure Step-by-Step

The assisted hatching process inside the IVF lab usually involves:

1. Embryo Culturing:

   Depending on the clinical situation, embryo culture may take place on either Day 3 (cleavage stage) or Day 5 (blastocyst stage).

2. Laser Application:

   An adjustable laser is directed toward a specific area of the zona pellucida, utilising a micromanipulator to penetrate the zona pellucida, creating a small controlled opening, while the inner cells remain unharmed.

3. Monitoring:

   Embryologists monitor the embryo, ensuring it's healthy and independently viable, confirming the embryo survived the procedure.

4. Transfer:

   The embryo is transferred to the uterus, where it can now implant into the endometrium easily.

This whole stepwise process makes embryo hatching in IVF more successful, as it is modelled on the natural mechanism of the embryo.

Cost of Laser Assisted Hatching in IVF in Nepal

The cost of Laser Assisted Hatching in Nepal can vary depending on the fertility clinic and the IVF package selected.

The service will generally be an add-on to standard IVF services.

Most insurance policies do not cover this service, so remember to check beforehand.

Many couples still view it as a good investment toward improving their chances of success with IVF, given the affordable cost.

At centres like Indira IVF Nepal, the cost is transparent, and the procedure is performed by highly skilled embryologists using state-of-the-art fertility lab technology.

Risks and Considerations

While laser embryo hatching is regarded as a safe approach, risks cannot be ruled out completely. There is a small chance the embryo might be damaged in the assisted hatching procedure, and it may not help at all. Generally, the laser-assisted hatching technique is recommended for a limited number of patients, such as when the patient is elderly, has had multiple previous failures, or has embryos with a thick zona. It is not suitable for every IVF cycle.

Your fertility expert will recommend this based on your embryo quality and reproductive history. Embryo hatching in IVF is a new fertility lab technology, which must be taken very seriously, as it may enhance the clinical potential for embryo implantation without compromising the viability of the embryo.

Is Laser Assisted Hatching Right for You?

Your fertility expert should be able to tell you whether laser-assisted hatching will help in your case or not. A thorough review of your medical history, embryo status and your outcomes for the procedure will help your doctor make informed decisions.

Conclusion

Laser-assisted hatching is one of the most recent developments in IVF, offering new hope for couples facing difficulty with embryo implantation. It’s a safe and accurate procedure which helps improve embryos hatch from the zona pellucida and allows for successful implantation in the uterus. Laser-assisted hatching is not for every patient, but it helps in certain situations, especially in patients with previous IVF failures and female partners of advanced maternal age.

At Indira IVF, our embryology staff are highly experienced and trained in the latest fertility lab technology, including laser embryo hatching. If you want expert support throughout your fertility journey, reach out to our doctors.