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Laser Assisted Hatching-IVF at Bangalore
Laser Assisted Hatching

 Laser Assisted Hatching

 

Yet another advanced scientificsolution for a couples aspiring to have their own baby.

 

There are plenty of questionsfor anyone undergoing infertility treatment,especially when there is no success after repeated consultations and treatment.There are various problems associated with conceiving… A failed IVF and a negativepregnancy test isn't the end. Remember, it is the first step towards completingyour family.

 

Identifying the root cause forunsuccessful IVF and correcting it is the key to success in the next cycle.

 

There are numerous causes fornegative IVF result. It could be due to abnormalities in the egg, abnormalitiesof the sperm or an improper selection of the embryo to transfer into the uterusor an issue in the uterus (endometrium), imbalance in the hormones etc.

One such cause is a thickenedor non-uniform zona pellucida layer around the egg.

 

What is Zona Pellucida?

Soon after fertilization of theegg by the malesperm, the formed embryo starts growing and eventually forms cells that make upa protective shell around the embryo and this is called zona pellucida. Theembryo passes into the uterus after fertilization and naturally breaks out ofits shell, expands and then implants into the wall of the uterus where thefoetal development occurs.

 

Sometimes, the zona pellucidalayer fails to break preventing the embryo from implantation and hence therecould be a missed chance to conceive.

 

What is Assisted Hatching?

Assisted hatching is one of theassisted reproductive procedures for women who have repeated failed IVF cyclesor various other unidentified problems that could prevent pregnancy. Theprocedure which helps to break a thickened zona pellucida in-vitro to help withsubsequent implantation is called Assisted Hatching.

 

Who require Assisted Hatchingprocedures?

● Women with previous failedIVF cycles. Not all the women undergoing IVF would require an assisted hatchingprocedure. Only those with other medical conditions which reduce the chances ofconceiving and are undergoing an IVF procedure are recommended to for thisprocedure.

● Women with age >35yr

● Frozen embryo transfer wherethe chemicals used to preserve the embryo might thicken the outer shell of theembryo.

● IncreasedFollicle-stimulating Hormone levels on 2nd day of the menstrual cycle.

● Zona pellucida with athickness of >15um

 

Various Methods of AssistedHatching

There are various methods forAssisted Hatching:

● Mechanical methods:

Method 1: This is done as apart of the IVF procedure before the embryo is transferred into the uterus.Here, the embryos are placed in an alignment steadily and the zona pellucida ispartially dissected using a micro-needle.

 

Method 2: Another method ofmechanical hatching is by using hydrostatic pressure to help expand the zonapellucida layer to assist in hatching.

 

Method 3: In this method, theembryo is subjected to vibrations created by drilling. This causes acone-shaped opening of the zona layer.

 

● Chemical methods:

The Embryos are arranged in analignment similar to that of mechanical methods and are treated with a chemicalcalled Tyrode’s solution for 40sec. The Tyrode's solution is aimed at the pileof arranged embryos with a controlled speed. This helps to make the zonapellucida layer thinner and easier to hatch naturally.

 

● LASER ASSISTED HATCHING:

 

In this technique, a diodelaser is used to break open a part of the zona layer. A diode laser of 1480nmwavelength is focused onto the embryo in a non-contact mode at various powersettings. There are low, medium and high power settings (35mV,45mV and 55mVrespectively) are used depending on the thickness of the zona pellucida layer.

 

Laser-Assisted Hatching comeswith a software that is designed for easy positioning, focus and measurement ofembryos and simple alignment of the laser. The laser has three preset energyintensities that can be delivered in a single 25 ms pulse with a single clickof the mouse. Low power is used for perforating very thin zona or to minimizeexposure, medium power for drilling the zona of most embryos and high power forperforating thick or hard zona pellucida layer.

 

Procedure:

 

● Those women selected for theassisted hatching procedures are prior evaluated thoroughly about their medicalhistory and a set of tests before initiating the process.

 

● The assisted hatching proceduresare carried out on 3rd day after the fertilisation. Around 5th day, embryos areready to implant into the uterus wall.

 

● The technique involvesfocussing the laser light precisely on to the embryo to create a gap on thezona pellucida layer helping it to hatch.

 

● The so treated embryo istransferred back to the uterus for subsequent foetal development.

 

How Successful?

 

Laser hatching procedure isconsidered to be the safest of all these hatching methods and is recommendedfor women with previous failed IVF procedures. Most of the clinicians believethis to be a better option for couples eagerly awaiting a baby.

 

Performed under the guidance ofskilled embryologists and clinicians, the process of laser-assisted hatching isreported to have minimum complications and good success. There are happycouples already blessed by undergoing this procedure. Lasers have proved theireffectiveness in various fields including modern medicine. They can be a lightof bliss for couples waiting a complete family.

 

At GarbhaGudi, miracleshappen often, as the team is made of highly skilled embryologists andclinicians who constantly strive to give extraordinary results.

 

For further details, you canalso write to GarbhaGudi at dreams@garbhagudi.com or directly talk to our teamat 8880000909

 

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