Laser Assisted Hatching
At New Hope Fertility Centre, we are committed to providing advanced, cutting-edge fertility treatments to increase your chances of successful conception. One such innovative procedure is Laser Assisted Hatching (LAH). This technique is often used as part of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) cycles to enhance embryo implantation, especially for patients facing challenges in achieving pregnancy despite healthy embryos.
Laser Assisted Hatching is a sophisticated technology that can improve the success rates of IVF by facilitating the process of embryo implantation in the uterus. It is performed using a precision laser to help the embryo hatch from its protective outer shell (the zona pellucida), allowing it to more easily implant into the uterine lining.
What is Laser Assisted Hatching (LAH)?
Laser Assisted Hatching is a laboratory technique used to create a small opening in the zona pellucida, the outer shell of an embryo, to help it "hatch" and implant more easily into the uterine lining. In a natural pregnancy, the embryo sheds this protective shell as it grows, a process known as "hatching." For some embryos, however, this process is delayed or unsuccessful, preventing the embryo from properly implanting in the uterus.
During an IVF cycle, embryos are cultured outside the body in a laboratory for a few days, and before they are transferred to the uterus, a laser is used to assist the embryo in hatching from its shell. By making the zona pellucida thinner or creating a small hole, Laser Assisted Hatching helps the embryo escape more easily, potentially increasing the chances of successful implantation and pregnancy.
Why is Laser Assisted Hatching Performed?
- Women Over 35 Years of Age: To improve implantation chances in older women undergoing IVF.
- Poor Embryo Quality: Helps embryos with thicker zona pellucida to hatch and implant more easily.
- Repeated IVF Failures: For couples who have experienced multiple IVF failures despite healthy embryos.
- Thick Zona Pellucida: Assists embryos with abnormal outer shells in hatching.
- Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART): Commonly used with IVF and ICSI to enhance embryo implantation.
How is Laser Assisted Hatching Performed?
- Embryo Development: After fertilization, embryos are cultured in the laboratory for 3 to 5 days.
- Laser Application: A small opening is created in the zona pellucida using a precision laser under a microscope.
- Embryo Transfer: The embryo is transferred into the uterus at the appropriate stage of development.
- Post-Transfer Monitoring: The patient is monitored for pregnancy confirmation via blood tests and ultrasounds.
Benefits of Laser Assisted Hatching
- Improved Implantation Rates: Enhances embryo hatching, improving chances of implantation.
- Increased Success for Older Women: Facilitates hatching for embryos in women over 35.
- Minimally Invasive: Quick and precise procedure with minimal risk to the embryo.
- Higher Pregnancy Rates in Challenging Cases: Effective for patients with repeated IVF failures.
Why Choose New Hope Fertility Centre for Laser Assisted Hatching?
- Advanced Technology: State-of-the-art laser systems for precision and safety.
- Experienced Team: Skilled specialists and embryologists maximizing IVF success rates.
- Personalized Care: Tailored treatment plans to meet unique patient needs.
- Comprehensive Fertility Services: Full range of reproductive technologies to support your journey.
Get Started with Laser Assisted Hatching at New Hope Fertility Centre
If you are considering IVF and believe that Laser Assisted Hatching might be beneficial for you, New Hope Fertility Centre is here to help. Our expert team will guide you through the process and ensure that you receive the best care possible to increase your chances of a successful pregnancy.