Laser Assisted Hatching (LAH)

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What is Laser Assisted Hatching (LAH) ?
During the IVF procedure, fertilized eggs are kept in the lab for 2 to 5 days, allowing them to divide and develop into an embryo. A healthy embryo is then placed in a woman’s uterus to achieve pregnancy. During this process of development, the embryo gets surrounded by a protective shell called zona pellucida. For implantation to happen, this protective shell breaks out naturally. But in some cases, the outer layer of the embryo hardens, making it difficult to hatch and implant. It becomes one of the reasons for infertility in women. In laser-assisted hatching, a small crack is created before inserting the embryo in your uterus in the hope that this hatching helps in implantation of the embryo. This procedure helps in successful implantation leading to pregnancy.

Why choose Laser assisted hatching (LAH) ?
Laser assisted hatching (LAH) enables a blastocyst to thaw quickly, yet efficiently, without compromising on its integrity.

Is Laser assisted hatching (LAH) Right for me ?
Laser assisted hatching (LAH) can augment implantation and bring you closer to pregnancy if you have previously had three or more unfavourable in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycles. Alternatively, if our doctor finds that the outer walls of your embryos seem to be thicker than usual, a LAH routine may be recommended for you.

Steps involved in Laser assisted hatching (LAH)

Laser assisted hatching (LAH) is composed of a couple of steps as spedified below

During the initial consultation, Our Doctors will meet with you to discuss your medical, surgical, family and fertility history. In addition, the doctor will perform a pelvic ultrasound, and routine blood work to check for infectious diseases, genetic disorders, ovarian strength, and other factors unique to each individual patient. In addition, the doctors will evaluate the sperm quality and evaluate the internal contours of the uterus.

Our embryologist will identify up to two embryos to be placed inside the uterus. The embryo will then implant itself in the uterine lining in the following few days.

What Are the Risks?

Here are some of the risks involved :

Embryo Damage :
If the laser hatching process is performed poorly, an embryo could be blemished or permanently destroyed. Our fertility experts are specialists, having years of experience in LAH.

Death of Cells :
LAH can also result in multiple pregnancies. Generally, IVF is associated with multiple pregnancies, and LAH procedure increases this risk further. This leads to high-risk pregnancies but is seen in less than 1% cases.

Procedure :
LAH procedure is carried out on the 3rd day after the IVF cycle when the embryo is still in the lab.

In this technique, a specialized laser is used to create a breach in zona pellucida. Laser technology allows a more controlled approach and is the safest and most effective technique.

Though making a small crack in the zona pellucida sounds like a simple technique, it involves precise procedures and a skilled technician to perform it. The embryology lab needs to have specialized instruments to perform this advanced technology. The whole process is fairly quick and takes only a few seconds.

In this process, laser shots are used that softens the zona pellucida, which helps to create an opening. The laser will not come in direct contact with the embryo and is performed with utmost delicacy and precision. This procedure ensures the safety of the embryo.