Have you had earlier IVF failures? Here’s how Laser Assisted Hatching can assist in profitable being pregnant

Aug 12, 2023 at 7:11 AM
Have you had earlier IVF failures? Here’s how Laser Assisted Hatching can assist in profitable being pregnant

Laser Assisted Hatching is a cutting-edge approach that’s recognized to enhance the probabilities of profitable embryo implantation during IVF and for girls who’ve had earlier IVF failures, this methodology presents renewed hope by addressing the frequent subject of poor prognosis. By facilitating the embryo’s escape from its protecting shell and enabling it to connect to the uterine lining, Laser Assisted Hatching considerably improves the chance of a profitable pregnancy.

Have you had previous IVF failures? Here's how Laser Assisted Hatching can help in successful pregnancy (File Photo)
Have you had earlier IVF failures? Here’s how Laser Assisted Hatching can assist in profitable being pregnant (File Photo)

How is LAH carried out?

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Bharati Dhorepatil, Consultant Infertility Expert at NOVA IVF Fertility in Pune, revealed, “Laser Assisted Hatching (LAH) serves as a means for enhancing embryo implantation during fertility treatments. It involves facilitating the escape of an embryo from its protective layer known as the zona pellucida so that it can firmly attach itself to the uterine lining. The zona pellucida acts as a safeguard by permitting only one embryo to successfully attach while preventing simultaneous attachment of multiple embryos in the uterus.”

She added, “By meticulously controlling the intensity of laser energy applied during this process, potential harm to the embryo can be minimized while significantly improving its chances for successful implantation. It helps with accuracy, control, and consistency when forming the zona opening and slashes down the chances of harming the embryo, enhancing the likelihood of successful implantation.”

What are the circumstances during which LAH is completed and who can profit from this process?

Dr Bharati Dhorepatil defined, “LAH is implemented when there is a presence of a hard or thick egg shell (zona pellucida). It is recommended for women who are older, specifically those who are 35 years of age. Additionally, LAH is beneficial for women with frozen embryos, those who have experienced unsuccessful IVF attempts in the past, as well as women with elevated levels of FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone).”

Talking about the benefits of this process, she shared, “This method offers a swift and secure alternative to traditional acidic hatching procedures that can be time-consuming and risky. Moreover, the accuracy of LAH is guaranteed due to the pre-programmed precision of the laser used. This heightened accuracy has been shown to enhance pregnancy rates offering hope for those undergoing fertility treatments. Another notable advantage of LAH is its remarkable efficiency – it completes the hatching process within mere milliseconds. This automated technique significantly reduces the likelihood of manual errors occurring during IVF and ICSI procedures, further improving their overall effectiveness.”

Dr Bharati Dhorepatil concluded, “In ART procedures, Laser Assisted Hatching is employed to augment the chances of successful embryo implantation during IVF. By utilizing a laser beam, a small aperture is made in the zona pellucida, facilitating embryo hatching and subsequent attachment to the uterine lining. The decision to employ Laser Assisted Hatching relies on personalised factors and guidance from fertility consultants.”