Assisted hatching

Assisted hatching is a laboratory procedure used in in vitro fertilization (IVF) where a small hole is made in the outer layer of the embryo, known as the zona pellucida. This procedure is intended to facilitate the embryo's hatching process, which is necessary for implantation in the uterine wall.

History

The technique of assisted hatching was first described in 1990 by Jacques Cohen and his colleagues at the Cornell University Medical College. The procedure was developed in response to observations that embryos with a thin zona pellucida had a higher rate of implantation during IVF.

Procedure

In assisted hatching, a small hole is made in the zona pellucida either just before transfer back into the womb, or at an earlier stage of development. This can be done mechanically, chemically or using a laser. The most common method is the use of a laser as it is quick and precise.

Indications

Assisted hatching is typically used for women who have failed to get pregnant after multiple IVF attempts, women of advanced maternal age, or in cases where the zona pellucida is abnormally thick. However, the use of assisted hatching is not without controversy, as it is not clear whether the procedure actually increases the chances of pregnancy.

Risks and Controversies

While assisted hatching is a common procedure in IVF, it is not without risks. These include damage to the embryo during the procedure and an increased risk of identical twinning. There is also ongoing debate within the medical community about the effectiveness of assisted hatching, with some studies suggesting it does not significantly increase the chances of pregnancy.

See Also

• In vitro fertilization
• Zona pellucida
• Embryo transfer