Laser-Assisted Hatching
When a chick hatches, it must break through its shell — a process called hatching. Similarly, human embryos are surrounded by a protective outer layer known as the zona pellucida. For successful implantation, the embryo must break through this layer and attach to the endometrium — this crucial step is known as embryo hatching. Only embryos that hatch successfully can implant and develop into a pregnancy.
Embryo hatching is a delicate biological process that depends on multiple signals between the embryo and endometrium, often referred to as embryo–endometrium cross-talk. The embryo must also expend significant energy to complete this step.
In some cases, however, hatching may fail, especially in older women, frozen embryos, or embryos with thick zona pellucida. To overcome this, fertility experts use Assisted Hatching techniques that help the embryo break free from its outer shell.
The most advanced, precise, and widely accepted approach is Laser-Assisted Hatching (LAH), where a specialized laser is used to gently thin or create a small opening in the zona pellucida. This controlled method enhances the chances of successful implantation while ensuring maximum safety for the embryo.
How is LAH done?
Laser-Assisted Hatching (LAH) at Sarkar Hospital, Agra
Performed by our nation’s top embryologists, Laser-Assisted Hatching at Sarkar Hospital is carried out with precision, safety, and international best-practice standards.
Timing: LAH is performed on the day of embryo transfer.
Procedure: A very small opening is made in the embryo’s outer layer (zona pellucida) using a dedicated FDA-approved laser designed exclusively for LAH.
Precision: The process is guided by AI-based computer systems, allowing micron-level accuracy.
Safety: Minimal laser energy is used to avoid any potential side effects. The area of the zona selected is away from the embryo’s genetic material, ensuring complete protection of the cells inside.
Patient Comfort: The procedure is performed entirely in the IVF lab on the embryos. Nothing is done on the patient herself, so she experiences no discomfort or risk.
Follow-Up: After LAH, the embryos are transferred into the uterus using the standard embryo transfer procedure in IVF.
Who can benefit from AH?
- Any patient undergoing IVF treatment can benefit from the advantages of AH and improve her chance of conceiving in that cycle.
- AH is specifically more helpful when zona pellucid is expected to be tough – thick
- Advanced age of female partner
- Expected zona thickening due to in-vitro culture
- Hyaluronidase exposed oocytes
- Frozen thawed embryos
- Thick zona pellucida
- When the previous IVF cycle has failed
- AH is required before taking a biopsy of a blastomere from the embryos for Preimplantation Genetic Testing – PGT
Advantages of LAH
- It provides a “mechanical advantage” to the embryos in breaking the zona for implantation.
- It also ensures early contact of embryos with the endometrium. This expedites enzymatic reaction between endometrium and embryos called “Embryo – endometrium cross talk”.
- Mechanical advantages and chemical advantage can give a better implantation rate and better pregnancy rate.
Disadvantages of LAH
- Requires expensive equipment dedicated for the purpose.
- Requires highly skilled and experienced technical staff
- Additional cost
- Uncommon chance of embryo damage or monozygotic twins