LASER ASSISTED HATCHING (LAH)
Laser assisted hatching is a technique that is used in IVF treatment that help the embryo to “hatch” or breakthrough it’s outer layer (ZONA PELLUCIDA) by creating an opening.
Sometimes the embryo fails to hatch and implant which results in IVF cycle failure. This can be due to thick zona or when zona get hardened with the freezing and thawing process.
Pregnancy cannot occur unless the embryo hatches and implants and laser assisted hatching can play a key role in achieving this crucial step.
Treatment procedure
During LAH procedure, an embryologist with the help of specialized laser (strong light beam) creates a gap in zona pellucida through which the embryo can easily come out and implant. This is usually done on the Day-3 after fertilization, when the embryo is still in the laboratory. This procedure takes only few seconds and does not harm the Embryo.
After doing the LAH procedure, the embryo is then transferred into the patient’s uterus in the hope that this will help in the implantation and gives a positive pregnancy.
- If you are above 37 years
- Previous unsuccessful IVF cycles
- Harder or thicker zona pellucida
- Have high level of follicles
- Have high FSH level
- LAH can increase the chances of success rate of pregnancy.
- It is a safer method with no negative effects on the embryo.