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Birla Fertility & IVF
Birla Fertility & IVF

LAH | Laser Assisted Hatching

Laser Assisted Hatching at
Birla Fertility & IVF

In the early stages, the embryo has an outer “shell” called the zona pellucida. When the embryo grows for about five to six days, it is called a blastocyst. At this stage, the embryo has to “hatch” out of the zona pellucida to implant into the lining of the uterus and result in a pregnancy. In some situations, the zona pellucida may be slightly thicker, making it harder for the embryo to break out of the shell, resulting in failed implantation. Laser assisted hatching is offered as a complementary procedure to IVF treatment done to artificially help the embryo “hatch”. This procedure is recommended in certain situations to improve implantation rates.

Why Laser Assisted Hatching?

Laser assisted hatching is known to benefit certain categories of patients. These include:

Patients with a history of repeated IVF failures

Patients of advanced maternal age (over 37 years)

Patients with diminished ovarian reserve and high follicle stimulating (FSH) levels

Patients using frozen embryos for transfer

Laser Assisted Hatching Process

Laser assisted hatching or LAH is done three days after fertilisation has occurred. In this procedure, a strong infrared light beam (laser) is focussed on the hard shell of the embryo under microscope guidance to create a small crack, allowing the embryo to “hatch”. It takes only a few seconds to thin or create the crack in the zona pellucida.

This procedure requires minimal handling of the embryo and is extremely safe. Once the process is completed, the embryo is transferred into the uterus to attempt a pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Laser assisted hatching is done three days after fertilisation. After this procedure, the embryo can be cultured till the blastocyst stage or transferred into the uterus to attempt a pregnancy.

Laser assisted hatching is recommended for couples opting for a frozen embryo transfer as studies indicate frozen or thawed embryos have a harder zona pellucida making it tougher for them to hatch.

Laser assisted hatching is generally recommended for women older than the age of 37 years or if the couple are unable to conceive through conventional IVF therapy.

There is a very low risk of damage to the embryos. However, advances in LASER technology have made the risk of these complications almost negligible.

Patient Testimonials

It was a good and smooth experience with Birla Fertility. The support staff and nursing staff were helpful as well. Overall we had a great and positive experience. I am highly impressed with the quality of work they provide. Thanks, Birla Fertility!

Priyanka and Ketan

I got in touch with Birla Fertility & IVF for my IVF treatment. I must say, the doctors and the staff of Birla Fertility were helpful. The whole process was pretty smooth, and the team made me feel so comfortable throughout the process and clarified all my anxieties related to IVF. Great experience and the cost was inexpensive. It was honestly one of the best choices I had ever made.

Shobha and Mohit

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