Assisted Hatching
The technique of assisted hatching involves measuring the thickness of the zona pellucida in embryos that are candidates for the procedures. If an embryo has not initiated the thinning process naturally, a small "window" is created chemically in the wall of the protein coat, using a dilute acidic solution pulsed onto the embryo surface, through an extremely fine glass micromanipulation needle. The embryos are then implanted normally into the uterine cavity.
The most extensive experience with assisted hatching has been reported from Cornell University, where implantation rates of 25% per embryo are reported, as compared to 18% per embryo, with regular IVF in non-assisted cycles.
You may be a candidate for assisted hatching if you are 38 years of age or older, or if you have previously had one or more IVF cycles, with failure of your embryos to implant, despite otherwise good results.
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