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Laser Assisted Hatching (LAH)

What is Laser Assisted Hatching (LAH)? 

Laser Assisted Hatching (LAH), is a technique used in in vitro fertilization (IVF) to aid in implanting embryos and achieving pregnancy. This process involves using a laser to create a small opening in the embryo's outer shell before planting it in the uterus. This process loosens the blastocyst within its outer shell, allowing it to implant once deposited into the uterine lining. 

Why Choose Laser Assisted Hatching?

There are many reasons why you should choose laser assisted hatching treatment in Nepal. Some of the key reasons for choosing laser assisted hatching treatment in Nepal are as follows:

  • Laser assisted hatching helps weaken the outer shell of eggs produced by women of age and facilitates hatching.
  • If the female patient has multiple failed attempts at the IVF cycle, this process can enhance the hatching and implantation rates.
  • This process is also recommended when using donated/ frozen eggs to enhance the implantation rates.
  • Sperm defects may result in a thickened zona pellucida, and the laser hatching process is thought to help in these cases.
  • Improving the hatching process through the laser technique can help achieve pregnancy for unexplained infertility issues.

These are some of the reasons you should choose laser assisted hatching treatment in IVF. 

Who is Laser Assisted Hatching Recommended For?

Laser assisted hatching treatment enables a blastocyst to thaw quickly and efficiently without compromising its integrity. Furthermore, it also enhances the implantation and pregnancy rates of eggs. Therefore, it is recommended for the following types of patients.

  • Women over 38 years
  • Women with FSH levels as high levels of this hormone indicate low ovarian reserve.
  • Ideal for women with multiple failed IVF cycles caused by embryos getting stuck.
  • Patients using frozen embryo transfers.
  • Couples with unexplained infertility.
  • For female patients whose embryo morphology is poor.
  • When the doctors identify zona pellucida in the previous failed IVF cycles.

These are some of the core types of individuals for whom laser assisted hatching treatment in IVF is recommended. Besides the ones we mentioned here, doctors can also recommend this technique depending on your individual circumstances. 

What Are The Benefits of Laser Assisted Hatching?

One of the key benefits of the laser assisted hatching technique is enhanced implantation and pregnancy rates. Besides this, some other key benefits of LAH are as follows:

  • Allows embryos to hatch earlier
  • Laser Assisted Hatching can improve pregnancy rates in older women
  • It can help with frozen embryo transfers.
  • Minimal injuries to the embryo as LAH allows precise and micrometer-sized openings without compromising embryo development.
  • Embryos with irregular or dysfunctional cells may hatch better after the zona pellucida laser thinning.
  • These are the key benefits of laser assisted hatching. 

Services of Hardik IVF and Fertility Center.

What Are The Risks of Laser Assisted Hatching?

Regardless of the medical procedure, there are always some slight risks. Laser assisted hatching in IVF is no exception to this either. Therefore, there are some risks associated with this procedure. The risks of laser assisted hatching treatment are as follows:

  • There is a small chance that the laser can damage the embryo.
  • There is an increased risk of monozygotic twins.
  • There are some concerns regarding the manipulation of embryos too much.
  • Increases IVF Cost
  • Requires an experienced embryologist.

Although some of the risks are not worth mentioning, such as the increased cost, they can still be considered a disadvantage of this technique.

What Are The Steps for Laser Assisted Hatching?

The complete laser assisted hatching can be divided into the following steps:

Embryo Development

The IVF process is carried out in this process, and the embryos are cultured inside the lab up to the third day.

Microscope Setup

The embryo is secured on a microscope stage. Then, micromanipulators and lasers are prepared.

Drilling the Hole

Once the devices are set, a 5 to 10-micron opening is drilled in the zona pellucida.

Removal and Culture

In this stage, the embryo is removed from the setup and planted back into the incubator.

Confirmation 

In this phase, the embryo is inspected to confirm that the hole is created and has not damaged the embryo.

Further Development

The embryo continues developing until day 5 when it reaches the blastocyst stage.

Transfer

The blastocyst with laser assisted hatching is transferred to the female partner's uterus.

Implantation

In this final step, a small opening is made via laser, which may promote hatching, implantation, and pregnancy. 

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FAQs About Laser Assisted Hatching

What is the success rate of laser hatching IVF?

The laser assisted hatching success rates range between 30% to 50%

What is the process of laser assisted hatching?

The process involves using a laser to create a small opening (about 5-10 microns wide) in the zona pellucida of the embryo on day 3 after fertilization when it reaches the 6-8 cell stage. This is done using specialized micromanipulation equipment while visualizing the embryo under a microscope. The embryo is then returned to culture until day 5 when it has developed into a blastocyst ready for transfer.

Does assisted hatching increase the chances of pregnancy?

Yes, it does increase the chance of pregnancy to some extent, especially for older women and after frozen embryo transfers.

What are the risks of laser assisted hatching?

Some risks of LAH include damage to the embryo if the laser is not precisely targeted, increased chance of monozygotic twins, unnecessary manipulation of the embryo, unknown long-term consequences, and added costs without proven efficacy for all patients.

When is laser assisted hatching done?

Laser assisted hatching is typically done on day 3 after fertilization when the embryo is at the 6-8 cell stage. This allows the embryo time to recover and continue developing normally in culture until day 5 when it reaches the blastocyst stage ready for transfer.