Assisted Hatching

The egg cell and the early embryo are surrounded by the zona pellucida (a protein-containing membrane), which is approximately 0.1 μm (1/100 mm) thick. “Embryo-hatching", the process in which the embryo “hatches” out of the zona pellucida, is a necessary step for the embryo to be able to properly implant itself in the endometrium.

Depending on age, or in patients with various illnesses (such as endometriosis) and in cryopreserved embryos, this membrane can be hardened and thus—despite potentially adequate embryo quality – can prevent pregnancy from occurring.

After the use of different "hatching aid" techniques (such as mechanical or acid etching), a laser is used for the actual hatching process. The laser pulse is placed directly under the microscope at the desired segment of the zona pellucida. The laser pulse "carves" into the zona pellucida, which should lead to a better "adhesion" of the embryo to the uterine lining and thus increase the chance of pregnancy. This method is non-invasive and requires no “hands-on” time, which means that contamination is prevented and is therefore harmless for the genetic composition of the embryo.