What is assisted hatching?

Assisted hatching is a procedure that can be performed in patients who are undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Once embryos are created using IVF, the embryo is surrounded by a hard outer layer of cells called the zona pellucida. You can think of this outer layer as the “shell” of the embryo. An embryo must break free of this “shell” in order to implant into the uterus and develop into a pregnancy. Assisted hatching is a procedure where we can help the embryo “hatch” from its “shell” by creating a small crack in the zona pellucida. It is believed that assisted hatching can help an embryo implant in the uterus, leading to higher pregnancy rates in some patients.

How does the assisted hatching procedure work?

Assisted hatching is generally performed on the third or fourth day of embryo development. The embryologists use a laser to create a microscopic hole in the zona pellucida. Assisted hatching can also be done on previously frozen and thawed embryos.

Who are ideal candidates for assisted hatching?

Assisted hatching is not recommended for all patients, but may be helpful in women who are older (than 37 years of age) or who have had a previously unsuccessful IVF cycle.

Are there any risks associated with assisted hatching?

There is a slightly increased risk for identical twins in embryos that have undergone assisted hatching. Very rarely, an embryo can be damaged from the assisted hatching process.