In vitro fertilization (IVF) failure is a frustrating experience for individuals and couples, and it is often caused by an embryo’s failure to implant in the uterus. For women who have failed IVF or have a poor prognosis for IVF, the fertility doctor may recommend a technique known as assisted hatching.
What Is Assisted Hatching?
After an egg is fertilized in the laboratory, the cells begin to divide. During these initial stages of development, the embryo is contained in a layer of proteins known as the zona pellicuda. In order to successfully implant into the uterine lining, an embryo has to hatch out of the zona pellucida and attach to the walls of the uterus.
Assisted hatching is a newer lab technique that was developed when fertility experts observed that embryos with a thin zona pellucida had a higher rate of implantation during IVF. With assisted hatching, an embryologist uses micromanipulation under a microscope to create a small hole in the zona pellucida.
At present, there are three methods that can be used to improve the hatching of embryos selected for transfer: (i) the mechanical technique, i.e. partial zona dissection using glass microneedles; (ii) chemical assisted hatching, using acidic Tyrode’s solution; and (iii) laser-assisted hatcing.