Definition:

Assisted hatching is an IVF technique in which the zona is treated prior to embryo transfer in order to weaken the wall of the embryo and thus improve the likelihood of successful hatching and embryo implantation.

Indications for Assisted Hatching:-

• Elevated maternal age
• Elevated follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] level
• Evidence of a thickened zone pellucida of the embryos in IVF
• Unexplained implantation failure after two or more embryo transfers.

Why Assisted Hatching:-

• Advanced maternal age.
• Repeated IVF failures.
• Elevated basal FSH
• Thick Zona pellucida.
• Frozen thowed embryo.
• Excessive fragmentation >20%

Advantages of hatching process:-

• Assisted hatching has demonstrated the potential for improving embryo implantation rates and clinical pregnancy rates in selected patient groups undergoing IVF.