What Is Laser Assisted Hatching?

About the author

Dr Neha Yadav

Obstetrics and Gynaecology

MBBS,DGO, DNB(OBGY)

Medically reviewed & verified

13+

Years practice

Laser-assisted hatching is a process that takes several steps to complete. During the fertilization procedure, the embryo produced is covered and protected for the first few days by zona pellucida. In the oocytes of a female, it is a glycoprotein layer that is enclosed in the plasma membrane.

The phenomenon by which the blastocyst or the embryo comes out of the zona pellucida is called hatching. This shows the success of reproduction. The development of the embryo can only take place when it is attached to the inner lining of the uterus. The zona pellucida also ensures that only one sperm enters the egg to fertilize it.
It is also sometimes seen that the eggshell, or zona pellucida gets hardens due to which it becomes difficult for the embryo to hatch and attach to the uterus. The reason behind the shell getting hardened could be the age, IVF culture environment, FSH diagnosis or the secretion of zona lysine, which helps in hatching.

laser assisted hatching

To help the embryo to hatch out without difficulties a method called Laser assistant hatching is used in the fertility labs. In assisted hatching, the zona pellucida is artificially breached or thinned to help in the hatching process.

This procedure helps in overcoming the internal or external barriers in the ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) fertilization methods. Assisted hatching also improves the hatching rates of embryos thereby increasing the chances of pregnancy.
Many other hatching techniques are also there but LAH is proven to be the best and safe for the hatching procedure. Laser drilling or Laser Assisted Hatching (LAH) method uses a laser to weaken a portion of the zona pellucida so that it becomes easy for the embryo to hatch out of the egg and to attach itself to the uterus lining. Mostly carried out in day 3 embryo.

Laser Assisted Hatching (LAH) in Kolkata is offered at advanced fertility centers to improve embryo implantation and enhance the chances of a successful IVF pregnancy.

Procedure of how to do it

During the laser drilling, the laser used to make the eggshell weaken is non-contact i,e. the laser doesn’t come in direct contact with the embryo. The entire process is performed very carefully and with delicacy. Laser assistant hatching protects the embryo from various chemicals and guarantees that the embryo is less susceptible to physical exploitation. LAH enhances the pregnancy rates among women.

laser hatching

Laser Assisted Hatching is implemented and found to be useful in the following cases

Women of age more than 37 years hence producing eggs with a harder zona pellucida
Women who have failed previous IVF or ICSI cycles
Women with a high level of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Women who are taking frozen embryo transfer

How Renew Healthcare Can Help In Your Fertility Journey?

As a leading IVF Centre in Kolkata, Renew Healthcare is known for providing expert backed fertility solutions like IVF, IUI, ICSI, Genetic Counselling and more. Combining 20+ years of expertise and having delivered 6000+ babies, our multidisciplinary team led by Dr Rajeev Agarwal, the best IVF doctor in Kolkata empowers your parenthood journey with expertise, compassion, and ethical care. We provide comprehensive care needed under one roof.

In the end, we believe in transparent guidance, ethical practices, and compassionate support at every stage of your journey, helping individuals and couples make informed decisions with confidence.

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