Laser Assisted Hatching Procedure
Laser assisted hatching (LAH) is a laboratory micromanipulation technique used during IVF to gently thin or create a small opening in the embryo’s zona pellucida so the embryo can hatch and implant more easily.
It is selectively offered for embryos with thick zona, advanced maternal age, prior implantation failure, or for embryos that have been frozen and thawed.
LAH is a precision procedure performed by experienced embryologists using calibrated lasers to minimise trauma while maximising implantation potential.
Overview And Clinical Background
Facilitating embryo implantation in selected IVF cases
The zona pellucida is the protective shell around an embryo; occasionally it can be thick or less elastic, impeding natural hatching and uterine attachment.
Laser assisted hatching creates a controlled, microscopic opening or thins the zona to improve the embryo’s chance of breaking out and initiating implantation.
This targeted intervention complements modern embryo culture and selection tools and is used only when clinically appropriate.
- Indication rationale: Used in patients with advanced maternal age, repeated implantation failure, embryos with zona hardening after freezing, or when embryo quality suggests assisted hatching could improve outcomes.
- Performed in the embryology suite under high-magnification microscopy using a calibrated laser to ensure safety and precision during the brief procedure.
- Objective: Enhance the likelihood that a selected embryo will hatch, attach to the endometrium and proceed to a viable pregnancy.
Symptoms, Signs And Presentation
LAH is an elective laboratory procedure rather than a treatment for symptoms.
Presentation for consideration includes couples with prior failed transfers despite good embryo morphology, frozen-thawed embryo cycles, or when embryos demonstrate delayed expansion in culture.
- When considered: Repeated implantation failure, advanced maternal age, or use of vitrified/warmed embryos that may have zona changes.
- Also considered when embryologists observe limited expansion or other mechanical difficulties suggesting hatching may be impaired.
- Counselling point: Patients are counselled that LAH is an adjunct that may improve chances but does not guarantee implantation.
Diagnosis Methods And Investigations
Laboratory assessment and embryo evaluation
Deciding on LAH begins with thorough IVF cycle review: embryo development patterns, prior transfer outcomes, and embryo zona characteristics.
Time-lapse imaging or morphology grading informs whether an embryo is a candidate for assisted hatching.
- Embryo assessment: Morphology grading, expansion stage and observation of zona thickness or calcification guide the decision to perform LAH.
- Clinical review: History of repeated implantation failure, maternal age and prior cryopreservation events are integrated into the plan.
- Optional adjuncts: time-lapse imaging or PGT results help prioritise which embryo would most benefit from assisted hatching.
Treatment Options And Surgical Techniques
LAH is done in the embryology lab immediately prior to transfer or after thawing; a short, focused laser pulse either thins the zona or makes a pinpoint opening to facilitate embryo escape.
The technique is micro-precise, rapid, and performed under sterile, temperature-controlled conditions to protect embryo viability.
- Technique: Using an inverted microscope and micromanipulator, the embryologist applies a calibrated laser to make a small hole or thin a portion of the zona, keeping exposure minimal to avoid heat damage.
- Timing: Performed on fresh embryos before transfer or on warmed embryos after thaw; timing is chosen to align with embryo expansion and transfer logistics.
- Complementary care: careful embryo handling, optimal uterine preparation and single-embryo transfer policies enhance the benefit of LAH.
Recovery, Risks And Prognosis
LAH is a laboratory step—there is no direct physical recovery for the patient beyond the usual transfer advice.
Risks to the embryo are low when performed correctly but include theoretical damage from excessive laser energy or mechanical stress; experienced teams minimise these risks.
When indicated, LAH may modestly increase implantation probability, particularly in the subgroups described above.
- Patient impact: No additional downtime; standard post-transfer precautions apply and pregnancy testing follows the usual schedule.
- Embryo risk management: strict lab protocols and validated laser settings keep potential thermal or mechanical injury exceptionally low.
- Outcome expectation: Improved implantation rates in selected patients but not a guaranteed success; outcomes are influenced by embryo quality and uterine receptivity.
Why Choose Us
CureU Healthcare combines accredited embryology labs, experienced embryologists and validated laser-assisted hatching protocols to offer a safe, evidence-informed adjunct to IVF.
We personalise decisions based on prior cycle data, embryo characteristics and patient goals, and we prioritise single-embryo transfers to balance success with perinatal safety.
Conclusion
Laser assisted hatching is a precise laboratory technique to support embryo implantation in carefully selected IVF cases.
When used thoughtfully within a comprehensive IVF plan, it can increase the chance of pregnancy while maintaining embryo safety and laboratory standards.
