Assisted hatching in assisted reproduction

Laser zona thinning in women aged ≤37 years: a randomized study

“…The ability of embryos to hatch from the zona pellucida (ZP) is a crucial factor affecting the implantation process in assisted reproduction (1)(2)(3). Throughout nearly two decades, several experimental zona hatching techniques have been developed to improve the implantation and clinical pregnancy rates after IVF treatment (1)(2)(3)(4).…”

“…Throughout nearly two decades, several experimental zona hatching techniques have been developed to improve the implantation and clinical pregnancy rates after IVF treatment (1)(2)(3)(4). Using mechanical, chemical, or more recently implemented laser manipulations of the human zona pellucida, assisted hatching can be performed either by partial zona thinning, by drilling a hole through the zona, or by complete removal of the zona pellucida.…”

Investigation and current management of recurrent IVF treatment failure in the UK

“…The basis for assisted hatching is the theory that embryo implantation may be hampered if the zona pellucida is thickened or hardened. Higher implantation rates were recorded from embryos with zonal gaps 28 possibly through earlier ‘hatching’, permitting longer contact between the embryo and the endometrium 29 . Artificial thinning of the zona can be accomplished mechanically, chemically or by laser and has been shown to improve the odds of a clinical pregnancy in assisted conception, in a systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs), but its effect on live birth rates is not yet clear 30 .…”

Effect of Total versus Partial Assisted Hatching on the Clinical Pregnancy Rates in Assisted Reproduction Technology

“…It was proposed that, elasticity of the ZP might be lost secondary to the long-term exposure of embryos to the in-vitro culture (4). Following first report of pregnancy after assisted hatching (AH), several approaches have been introduced to improve pregnancy rates in ART (5)(6)(7). With the pool of evidence, restricted group of cases were proposed to have favorable outcome with the AH (8)(9)(10).…”