The Assisted Embryo Hatching technique was in 1990 at Cornell University, New York by a team headed by Dr. Jacques Cohen.
The embryo formed as a result of fertilization is covered by a gel-like shell called the Zona Pellucida. In the laboratory, this Zona Pellucida is weakened by a LASER beam in an attempt to create a hole in it. This allows for the existing embryo within to escape easily and implant in the woman’s uterine lining (called the Endometrium). Successful implantation means pregnancy.
This technique may be carried out for women who:
- Are 35 years or older
- Have embryos with thick Zona Pellucida
- Have had repeated implantation failures while using frozen replaced embryos