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Everything You Need To Know About Assisted Hatching

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

Due to the wonders of medical science today, difficulty in getting pregnant need not signal the end of the world. There are a large number of procedures that can help you conceive and successfully carry a pregnancy. One such procedure is known as ‘Assisted Hatching’.

Contents

What are the methods of Assisted Hatching?
1. Mechanical hatching:
2. Mechanical expansion of the shell:
3. Chemical hatching:
4. Drilling:
5. Laser-assisted hatching:
What are the risks associated with Assisted Hatching?
What are the success rates of Assisted Hatching?

What is Assisted Hatching?

Assisted hatching is a laboratory procedure that is sometimes done along with in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. IVF involves mixing eggs with sperm in a laboratory to fertilize them. The fertilized eggs develop into embryos. The best embryo can then be placed into the woman’s uterus in the hopes that she will become pregnant.

For the first 5 to 7 days of development, the embryo is surrounded by cells that make up a protective shell, called the zona pellucida. Normally, when the embryo reaches the uterus, this zona partially dissolves and the embryo ‘hatches’ out, allowing it to implant in the uterus.

In some women, infertility may be caused by a hardening of the zona, which makes it difficult for the embryo to hatch and implant. During assisted hatching, the zona pellucida is thinned or ruptured to enable the embryo to emerge and implant.

What are the methods of Assisted Hatching?

There are a number of methods for assisted hatching. These include the following:

1. Mechanical hatching:

The embryologist uses a micro-needle to puncture through the zona pellucida, go just underneath the shell, and then come out the other end. The area between the two punctures is then gently abraded until a small tear occurs. With this method, however, it is difficult to control the size of the opening.

2. Mechanical expansion of the shell:

Here, the zona pellucida is not broken open. Instead, hydrostatic pressure is introduced just under the shell, to cause it to expand. The idea for this method comes from the natural expansion of the outer shell during the hatching process.

3. Chemical hatching:

In this procedure, a chemical known as Tyrode’s acid is used. Minute quantities of acid are applied to the zona pellucida until the shell is breached. The embryo is then rapidly cleaned to avoid unnecessary acid exposure.

4. Drilling:

In this method, vibratory movements are used to create a conical opening.

5. Laser-assisted hatching:

Here, a specialized laser is employed to breach the zona pellucida. Laser-assisted hatching allows higher control of the size of the hole created, more than mechanical hatching done with a needle.

Who are suitable candidates for Assisted Hatching?

The following factors can make someone a suitable candidate for assisted hatching with in vitro fertilization:

1. Women whose embryos have a zona pellucida that is distinctly thicker

2. Couples who have experienced previous failed IVF cycles

3. Women whose embryos are not developing as well as expected

4. Women with elevated FSH levels during the follicular phase

5. Women older than 38

What are the risks associated with Assisted Hatching?

The following are certain risks associated with assisted hatching:

1. A small risk of the embryo being damaged by the actual hatching procedure.

2. A risk of the embryo or embryonic cells getting damaged during the micromanipulation process, which can lead to IVF failure but will not increase the risk of birth defects.

3. A very slightly increased risk of monozygotic (MZ) twin pregnancies, or identical twins

What are the success rates of Assisted Hatching?

Assisted hatching has been proven to have a fairly high success rate, especially when performed by a skilled expert. Pregnancy rates are approximately 49% in patients between the ages of 35 and 39. Women who are over the age of 40 are typically proven to have lower success rates, but assisted hatching still provides them with a better opportunity for conception than IVF which is performed without this procedure.

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

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