Laser-Assisted Hatching (LAH) Treatment in IVF

Are you thinking of doing laser-assisted hatching in IVF? To become pregnant through this treatment, your embryo needs to be transferred into the uterus for implantation. Sometimes, a fertilised egg cannot guarantee pregnancy, although you have undergone IVF treatment. So that's when laser-assisted hatching treatment comes into the picture. So, let's find out what LAH is, how it is done when you should go for this surgery, the success rate of laser-assisted hatching, and its advantages and disadvantages.

Dr Meenakshi Dua, Director Gurugram

- 6 min read

Apr 03, 2024

Laser Assisted Hatching LAH Treatment in IVF

What is Laser Assisted Hatching (LAH)?

Laser Assisted Hatching, commonly referred to as LAH, is a method where a hole is created using laser in the zona pellucida (outer shell ) of embryo. By thinning or opening the zona pellucida, LAH makes it easier for the embryo to break free and latch on endometrium of uterus for implantation. This increases the odds of a successful pregnancy.

What Is the Procedure for Laser-Assisted Hatching in IVF?

Laser-assisted hatching in IVF is a simple process where an embryologist uses a strong light beam to create a gap between the embryo for it to come out. It is done usually just before transfer of blastocyst embryo. The embryo is then transferred to the uterus of women for it to grow. The procedure takes only a few seconds and does not harm the embryo. It is performed under experienced supervisors using advanced technology.

When You Should Go For Laser-Assisted Hatching Treatment?

Laser-assisted hatching treatment is not for everyone who goes for IVF treatment. Doctors suggest LAH to only specific couples. They will first analyse all your medical records and history and then inform you if you can go for this surgery. Here are some reasons why you should go for laser-assisted hatching treatment:

If you failed to get pregnant two times by IVF,
Frozen embryo transfer
If you are 38 years or older, and
Unexplained fertility.

What Is the Success Rate of Laser-Assisted Hatching (LAH) Treatment in IVF?

The success rate of laser-assisted hatching greatly increased the clinical rates of pregnancy in all cases. There are big differences between groups I and II when it comes to chemical (50.99% vs. 31.61%), clinical (50% vs. 30.69%), and multiple pregnancies (22.27% vs. 5.94%) rates. In women over 35 years old, performing LAH greatly increased the chances of chemical pregnancy (30.12%) and clinical pregnancy (27.71%) compared to women who did not undergo LAH (18.96% and 16.37%, respectively)

Risks of Laser-Assisted Hatching (LAH) Treatment in IVF

The risks of laser-assisted hatching treatment are about the same as those of other IVF or ICSI methods. Because this method gets in the way of the natural hatching process, it comes with some small risks.

The egg could be killed before or after the transfer, which would mean there is no pregnancy.
Sometimes, embryos may still not be able to hatch properly after the laser treatment helps them do so.
A high-risk pregnancy can happen after laser-assisted hatching, but it only happens a little less than 1% of the time.
This method could also lead to more than one pregnancy, which raises the risk even more.

Conclusion

Laser Assisted Hatching (LAH) is a cutting-edge technology that offers new possibilities for individuals struggling with infertility. By improving the embryo implantation process, LAH can increase the chances of successful pregnancy outcomes for those undergoing IVF treatments. If you have problems with thick-shell embryos, you can use this method to get pregnant. Most of the time, fertility doctors or embryologists carefully and precisely carry out this treatment.