Assisted hatching

The method of assisted hatching was developed to improve embryo implantation procedure. Normally, the zona pellucida (the membrane that covers the embryo) is rejected a week after fertilisation when the embryo is ready to attach the endometrium. This process also known as hatching may be hindered by various unknown factors such as the patients’ age. Assisted hatching is accomplished by forming a small opening in the zona pellucida of the embryo prior to implantation. This procedure enables the attachment of the transferred embryo to the endometrium. Extreme caution is needed for this method. Assisted hatching is in use in many Units, producing a large number of babies today.