What is assisted hatching?
Assisted Hatching is a form of embryo micromanipulation that involves the creation of an opening in the outer covering, or zona pellucida, of the embryo. The procedure helps a normal, growing embryo hatch from the covering and implant in the uterus. This procedure may increase the implantation rate, especially in older women. For more information, please visit our Assisted Hatching section.
Assisted hatching is a laboratory procedure designed to facilitate implantation or attachment of the dividing embryos to the wall of the uterus. In order for implantation and pregnancy to occur, the embryo must “hatch” out of the zona pellucida (the egg’s outermost membrane). In some patients, failure to establish a pregnancy after In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) may be related to the inability of the embryos to get out of the zona. On the day of transfer, a small opening is created in the zona pellucida under microscopic control, thus aiding the hatching process.
Assisted Hatching is a procedure that is performed to enhance pregnancy rates with IVF. The technique involves the creation of a small opening in the “zona pellucida”, or “shell” of the early embryo. Consequently, the embryo can more easily “hatch”, a necessary prerequisite for implantation and pregnancy. This procedure is used very successfully at the Southeastern Fertility Center, but is not appropriate for all patients. Also, the experience and technique of the IVF laboratory team is critical in order to prevent embryo damage and other complications.
