Overview
Assisted zona hatching (AZH) is a technique of assisted reproductive technology sometimes used as part of an IVF cycle, to promote the embryo hatching and implantation process. It can help increase the chance of embryo implantation. A fertilized embryo is surrounded by a protective hard shell called the zona pellucida. In order for the embryo to attach to the lining of the uterus and go on to develop into a pregnancy, the embryo must first break out of the zona pellucida- hatch. In a natural pregnancy, the embryo does this on its own. During the assisted zona hatching technique, usually about 3-6 days after fertilization, an embryologist perforates the zona pellucida of an embryo at a single point, increasing the chances that the embryo will hatch and successfully implant. Our skilled embryology team has a special laser to “hatch” the embryo and created a small hole in the zona pellucida to aid with the embryo’s ability to egress. The embryo(s) is then loaded into an embryo transfer catheter and placed into the uterus under ultrasound guidance by Dr. Davies.
Who Needs Assisted Zona Hatching?
There are certain patient populations which AZH benefits :
- Women who are over 38 years of age
- Women with a history of elevated Day 3 FSH levels
- Repeated failures of ART cycles
- When preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is utilized
- During a current IVF cycle where embryologists observe that there are issues or abnormalities of the embryo’s zona pellucida and AZH is utilized to increase success.
- Previously frozen embryos or blastocysts
- Women with AMH (anti-mullerian hormone) less than 1.0
Risks of Assisted Zona Hatching
Assisted zona hatching, when performed by a skilled embryologist, has a very low chance of damaging an embryo.
The risk for identical twins might be slightly increased when assisted hatching is applied at the blastocyst stage. Medical complications are higher in identical twin pregnancies than in normal, singleton pregnancies.
For more information on how assisted zona hatching can help you become pregnant, or to set up a consultation with a team member, please contact us.
