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Selective Assisted Hatching (AH) of Embryos
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Hatching is recommended when embryos resulting from IVF or ICSI may have a reduced ability to hatch out of the shell (zona pellucida) and implant into the wall of the uterus. Failure to hatch is associated with embryos from women over 38 years of age or if the embryos have abnormally thickened shells. However, assisted hatching should not be performed on all embryos. It should be selective. In fact, studies have revealed that hatching healthy embryos from patients under 38 years of age may actually be detrimental to embryos. AH is a microscopic surgical technique performed by an embryologist. While viewing the embryo through a microscope, a small hole is gently made in the embryo shell so it can hatch several days after the physician transfers the embryos into the woman’s uterus.
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