Hatching support – assisted hatching.
For an embryo to implant in the lining of the uterus, it must first leave its outer shell. If this shell has hardened, laser-assisted hatching support can improve the chances of a pregnancy.
What is "embryo hatching"?
The egg and the early embryo are surrounded by the zona pellucida (a protein-based shell) approximately 0.1 µm (1/100 mm) thick. So-called "embryo hatching", during which the embryo leaves this shell, is an important prerequisite for implanting in the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
When hatching support helps – and how the laser works.
When the outer shell may be hardened
Depending on age or in the case of various conditions (e.g. endometriosis), as well as with cryopreserved embryos, this outer shell may be hardened – so that no pregnancy occurs despite potentially good embryo quality.
Laser-assisted hatching
After various techniques for "hatching support" (e.g. chemical acid etching or mechanical methods), the laser is used today, delivering highly reproducible results. A laser pulse is applied under the microscope to the desired spot on the outer shell, "scoring" it – non-invasively, without contact and therefore without contamination, and without danger to the embryo's genetic information. This is intended to lead to better "adhesion" to the lining of the uterus and thus increase the pregnancy rate.
When we suggest assisted hatching.
Hatching support is a targeted additional step in the laboratory – we use it where the outer shell is recognisable as a possible obstacle, and not with every transfer.
Typical starting situations
We consider assisted hatching above all when
- the zona pellucida appears noticeably thick or altered under the microscope,
- frozen and thawed embryos are being transferred, since freezing and thawing can change the shell,
- the woman is of advanced age,
- underlying conditions such as endometriosis are present,
- embryos of good assessment have been transferred but implantation has repeatedly failed to occur.
The decision is always made in the laboratory on the specific embryo – and not as a blanket decision in advance.
What tips the scales
The basis is the observation of the embryos over several days: cell division rate, regularity of division, the appearance of the shell. With a transfer at the blastocyst stage, hatching is imminent – here it is particularly easy to judge whether the embryo shows signs that leaving the shell is difficult for it. Our embryologists assess this together with the treating doctor and discuss with you why hatching support appears sensible in your case.
Assisted hatching step by step.
For you as a patient, nothing changes about the course of treatment: the hatching support happens in the laboratory, shortly before the embryo transfer.
The decision
If the zona pellucida appears thickened or hardened, or if one of the typical starting situations is present – such as a transfer of thawed embryos – the embryologist and the treating doctor decide together whether hatching support makes sense. You are informed before the step is taken.
The laser pulse
Under the microscope, a precisely dosed laser pulse is applied to a deliberately chosen spot on the outer shell. The shell is scored or thinned in the process. The procedure is contact-free, without touching the embryo and without the addition of chemical substances – which is why the laser is today considered the more controllable procedure compared with older techniques such as acid etching or mechanical opening. It takes only fractions of a second.
The embryo transfer
Immediately afterwards, the selected embryos are placed into the uterus as usual with a thin, flexible catheter under ultrasound guidance. The placement takes only a few minutes and is generally painless; afterwards we recommend a short rest in our recovery rooms.
Implantation phase
In the second half of the cycle, the production of the corpus luteum hormone is supported with medication so that the uterine lining is optimally prepared for implantation. Around two weeks after fertilisation, a pregnancy can be detected by measuring the hormone hCG in blood or urine.
Advantages – and what hatching support cannot do.
We consider it part of good counselling to assess additional procedures realistically.
What speaks for assisted hatching
The method addresses exactly one point that otherwise goes unnoticed: the mechanical hurdle between a well-developed embryo and the lining of the uterus. It involves no strain whatsoever for you – no additional medication, no additional appointments, no prolongation of the treatment. The laser works contact-free and without chemical additives, and the result is highly reproducible. And it can be combined with all the usual forms of treatment, including the transfer of thawed embryos.
Where the limits lie
Hatching support makes it easier to leave the outer shell – it does not improve the quality of the embryo and not the receptiveness of the uterine lining. If the cause of failed implantation lies elsewhere, it cannot change that.
It is therefore also not a procedure that brings an advantage in every treatment. For the benefit in certain situations there are indications, but no guarantee for the individual case. We use hatching support where a comprehensible rationale exists – and talk openly with you if other factors are in the foreground. You will find all treatment steps at a glance under fertility treatments.
How assisted hatching interacts with other methods.
IVF and ICSI
Frozen embryo transfer
Hatching support is particularly close at hand with the transfer of frozen and thawed embryos: freezing and thawing can change the outer shell. If a treatment produces more well-assessed embryos than are transferred, these can be cryopreserved and used later.
Better sperm selection
A good embryo begins with a good sperm. With PICSI and the Fertile Chip© ("Chipsi"), two procedures are available for selecting vital sperm with DNA as intact as possible for fertilisation.
Experience decides, not the device
A laser is a tool – what is decisive is who uses it and when. The Wunschbaby Institut Feichtinger has been a pioneer of reproductive medicine in Austria since 1982/83: the first Austrian IVF baby was born here, in 1993 ICSI was introduced in Austria by the WIF, and more than 30,000 births have resulted from treatments with us.
This experience shows above all in the assessment: our embryologists see embryos and outer shells every day and can judge when hatching support will really help. With our own genetics and hormone laboratory in-house, we bring diagnostics, laboratory and treatment together – 360 degrees under one roof, at our locations in Vienna, Baden and St. Pölten. And because this is about more than technology, we take the time to discuss every step with you: we are family.
Frequently asked questions about assisted hatching.
What is assisted hatching in one sentence?
Assisted hatching is "hatching support": the firm shell of the embryo (zona pellucida) is scored or thinned in the laboratory with a targeted laser pulse so that the embryo can leave it more easily and implant in the lining of the uterus.
Is the laser dangerous for the embryo?
The laser pulse is applied contact-free and precisely dosed to a chosen spot on the shell – without contact with the embryo itself and without chemical additives. Compared with older procedures such as acid etching or mechanical opening, it is considered the more controllable and highly reproducible procedure. The genetic information of the embryo is not touched in the process.
Will I notice anything of the assisted hatching as a patient?
No. The step takes place exclusively in the laboratory, immediately before the embryo transfer. No additional medication, no further procedures and no additional appointments are needed for it, and the treatment does not take longer as a result.
Is hatching support done with every IVF or ICSI?
No. We use it in a targeted way – for example with a noticeably thick or hardened outer shell, with the transfer of thawed embryos, with advanced age of the woman, with endometriosis, or when implantation has repeatedly failed to occur despite well-assessed embryos. The decision is made on the specific embryo and is discussed with you.
Does assisted hatching increase the chance of a pregnancy?
The aim is to make hatching easier for the embryo and thus to enable implantation. Where the outer shell really was the obstacle, this can make the difference. There is no guarantee for the individual case: whether a pregnancy occurs additionally depends on embryo quality, the uterine lining and other factors.
How does assisted hatching differ from PICSI or the Fertile Chip©?
The procedures act at completely different points. PICSI and the Fertile Chip© concern the selection of the sperm before fertilisation. Assisted hatching concerns the embryo after fertilisation, immediately before the transfer. They do not exclude each other, but can be used in the same treatment.
Is hatching support also possible with frozen embryos?
Yes – and there it is particularly often a topic, because freezing and thawing can change the outer shell. Before a frozen embryo transfer, our embryologists assess the thawed embryos and decide whether hatching support appears sensible.
How do I find out whether assisted hatching is an option for me?
Best in a personal consultation: we look at your history, the course of previous treatments and the findings at hand. You can also talk to us without obligation at a free info evening before you decide on anything.
Is assisted hatching right for you?
In a personal consultation we will clarify whether hatching support is a useful addition to your treatment.
Or call us: +43 1 877 77 75