| It's a sad fact that
IVF technology today is still not perfect. Only one of
ten embryos we transfer in the uterus implants successfully
in the endometrium to become a baby. Why is the embryo
( Laser Hatching Video ) implantation rate only 10 ? Some
doctors believe this is because the surrounding shell
of the embryo (called the zona pellucida) hardens when
it is cultured in the laboratory.
We can use "embryo surgery" called zona drilling
or assisted hatching to "soften" the shell
of the embryo ( Laser Hatching Video ) . This helps
to increase pregnancy rates by improving implantation
rates, since embryo hatching is facilitated. In the
past, this was done using acid (acid Tyrode’s)
, but this can damage the embryo.
Today, we can precisely create an opening in the zona
safely and effectively with the use of a laser.
This photo essay shows how we perform laser assisted
hatching in our clinic.
1.The embryo ( Laser Hatching
Video ) is positioned under the microscope. This is
a 4-cell Grade A embryo; and you can see it zona ( shell)
clearly.
2. The laser is used to make an opening at 3 o'clock.
This is a non-contact laser, which means the embryo
is not touched at all.
3. The laser is fired again to
increase the size of the opening. Note how precisely
this is done, and how accurate and well-controlled it
is.
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4. The laser is fired again,
so that the entire zona is breached. This opening will
help the embryo to hatch from the zona during implantation.
The laser is fired far away from the blastomeres, so
that these are not damaged at all. This embryo is now
ready for transfer into the uterine cavity, where it
will hopefully implant and become a baby.
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