The opening is intended to make it easier for the embryo to hatch after a blastocyst is formed. Many IVF centres have been drawn to this laser-assisted procedure than the use of acid Tyrode’s embryo hatching or partial zona dissection
The Laser hatching process
Though this method is used in IVF procedures, it must be performed by only experts because the lack of expertise can cause damage to the cells.
- In the first step, the part of the shell where the laser will be imposed is marked by an expert.
- The laser is directed towards the shell and energy is delivered o the embryo’s shell. The laser beam can’t be seen, but the effect can be witnessed
- The energy gets dissolved into the shell thereby creating an opening. The energy can be released for multiple times for the gap to be created, but caution has to be used to prevent mistakes and damage to the embryo and its cells.
Experts have found that the use of laser hatching increases the success rate of IVF procedures than in cases where the practice is not used. This practice has been found to be safe and easier when performed in a profound IVF centre. There are various reasons as to why the doctor can make a call for assisted laser hatching depending on the type of infertility a woman suffers from and help in embryo development.