LAH (Laser-Assisted Hatching)
Laser-Assisted Hatching is a laboratory procedure that is sometimes done along with in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. While the embryo develops, it is surrounded by cells that make up a protective shell (zona pellucida). The embryo naturally breaks out of this shell as it grows. Occasionally, the doctor may ask the laboratory to make a small “crack” in the outer shell of the embryo right before it is placed into the woman’s body (assisted hatching). The hope is that assisted hatching might help the embryo expand, implant into the uterine wall, and finally lead to a pregnancy.
How is assisted hatching done?
During assisted hatching, the outer shell of the embryo is artificially weakened by making a small hole in the zona pellucida. This can be done in several different ways. The method we use and which is the most advanced method involves the use of a laser to “crack” the shell. This procedure greatly enhances the chances of the embryo to grow, come out of the shell, implant, and result in a pregnancy.
PRE-IMPLANTATION GENETIC SCREENING (PGS)
PGS (Preimplantation Genetic Screening), stands for testing of overall chromosomal normalcy in IVF embryos. It involves taking embryo biopsy from an IVF embryo and screen for a normal number of chromosomes before embryo transfer. PGS involves checking the chromosomes of the embryos conceived by IVF/ICSI for common abnormalities. Chromosomal abnormalities are a major cause of the failure of embryos to implant and of miscarriages/abortions.
Most of the patients are confused for the condition in which PGS is best for you. Before any decision about genetic testing is taken, we review each couple and offer the best possible option to them. It can be performed for a patient at high risk of carrying an inheritable genetic disease. Using this technique, embryos that do not carry the disease can be selected for transfer.
It always seems impossible until its done”
PRE-IMPLANTATION GENETIC DIAGNOSIS (PGD)
Genes are passed on from one generation to another. The phenotype or trait of a gene depends on the genotype. Genotype can be described as a particular combination of the gene on the chromosomes. Depending upon the inheritance pattern of the genotype, a certain combination or variation of the gene can be harmful resulting in a disease phenotype. It can be traumatic to undergo an abortion if the baby is detected prenatally for some life-threatening genetic disease. In families where there is a clinical history of such genetic diseases it very important that the disease-causing combination is excluded in order to have a healthy baby. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis or PGD is such a platform where the disease-causing gene combination is probed and embryos harboring such combinations are excluded. Thus, even in families that manifest fatal genetic disorders, PGD gives a chance to have a healthy baby.
Endometrial Receptivity Array (ERA)
Endometriosis is a test carried out to check the window of implantation for the best results. It is a very common medical condition which affects women in their reproductive ages. This medical condition includes the endometrium forming outside the uterus, mostly on ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, and pelvic tissue linings. The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus which thickens during the menstrual cycle, preparing the uterus for embryo implantation. Endometriosis also affects IVF unfavorably, from diminishing the count of eggs at the time of retrieval to bad egg quality, and reduces implantation and pregnancy rates. However, IVF allows most of the endometriosis patients to still be able to conceive.
