As
the name implies, assisted hatching is the process
of "helping" the embryo to break free of
the membrane (zona pellucida) surrounding it. The
embryo must hatch from the membrane in order to attach
to the uterine wall where further development takes
place.
Hatching
occurs normally in nature but sometimes does not happen
properly in infertile females. Hatching is usually
used in cases of infertility from unknown causes,
advanced female age, or where there is a question
of egg quality.
Assisted
hatching is accomplished by using a solution of acid
Tyrode to etch an opening, puncturing the membrane
with a microscopic needle or with the laser.
