Assisted Hatching
Assisted hatching is an additional procedure that can be performed in patients who are undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. The embryo is surrounded by a hard outer layer of cells called the zona pellucida. This outer layer of cells can be thought of as the “shell” of the embryo. The embryo must “break-free” of this “shell” in order to implant in the uterus and develop into a pregnancy. Assisted hatching is a procedure where we can assist the embryo to “hatch” from its’ “shell” by creating a small perforation in the zona pellucida. It is believed that a perforated zona pellucida increases the chance the embryo will hatch and successfully implant.
In a natural pregnancy when the embryo reaches the blastocyst stage of development the zona begins to thin. The thinning process is facilitated by the repeated contraction and expansion of the blastocyst which alters the elasticity of the zona. Once the zona is sufficiently thinned it tears allowing the embryo to hatch. Embryos that do not hatch will not be able to implant.
How is Assisted Hatching performed?
The embryologist will use a targeted microscopic laser to create a very small hole (perforation) in the zona pellucida (outer shell of the embryo). It is generally performed on the day of embryo transfer. Assisted hatching can also be done on previously cryopreserved (frozen & thawed) embryos.
Who should consider Assisted Hatching?
Assisted hatching may be considered in the following cases:
- Previous failed IVF/ICSI cycles
- Patients whose embryos have unusually thick zona pellucida
- Patients whose embryos are not developing as well as expected
- Elevated FSH in the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle
- Older women tend to have a thicker outer shell surrounding the embryo
- Poor embryo quality where self-hatching is not expected
Your doctor & embryologist can help you to determine if assisted hatching may be useful to you.
FAQ's
-
When is assisted hatching done in IVF?
Assisted hatching is usually done on the day of embryo transfer during IVF treatment. It can also be performed on frozen embryos after thawing, just before transfer, if the doctor and embryologist believe it may improve the chances of implantation.
-
How long does hatching take?
Hatching itself is a natural process and may take a few hours to a day after embryo transfer. Assisted hatching only creates a small opening in the embryo’s outer shell to help this natural process happen more easily.
-
Does assisted hatching speed up implantation?
No, it does not directly accelerate implantation. Still, it may increase the likelihood of implantation by helping the embryo break through its outer shell, which is necessary before it can attach to the uterus.
-
If I do PGT-A (genetic testing), is assisted hatching included?
Although assisted hatching and PGT-A are separate procedures, assisted hatching is clinically required for PGT-A biopsy. To test the embryo, an embryologist must safely remove a few cells. To do this, they first use assisted hatching (usually on Day 3) to create a small opening in the outer shell. This allows a few cells to naturally “poke through” by Day 5 or 6, thereby enabling biopsy without damaging the rest of the embryo.
-
Is assisted hatching mandatory for frozen embryo transfers (FET)?
Assisted hatching is not mandatory for frozen embryo transfers. It may be recommended in some cases, such as after failed previous cycles or in cases of thick embryo shells, but many frozen embryo transfers are successful without it.
-
Can assisted hatching cause congenital disabilities?
No evidence suggests that assisted hatching causes congenital disabilities. When performed by trained embryologists using precise techniques, it is considered safe and does not increase the risk of fetal abnormalities.
