A small hole is made in the outer shell around the embryo (the zona pellucida) before transfer to the uterus.

An in vitro procedure in which the zona pellucida of an embryo is either thinned or perforated by chemical, mechanical, or laser methods to assist separation of the blastocyst.

The procedure in which the outer layer of the embryo [called the zona] is thinned by a laser to help the embryo implant more easily.

A micromanipulation procedure in which an opening is made into the hard outer surface of the early embryo with the use of chemicals, mechanical techniques, or lasers to improve implantation after the embryo is transferred into the uterus. ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY (ART)

Assisted hatching occurs in the lab prior to the embryo transfer. Before the embryo can attach to the uterine wall, it must break out of its membrane. In some women (particularly older women), this membrane is hardened, making it difficult for the embryo to hatch and implant. The embryologist will use a laser or mild acid to thin the shell, enablin [..]