A study comparing three different laser-assisted hatching techniques

Abstract

Purpose of investigation: Laser-assisted hatching (LAH) is recognized as a useful technology to improve clinical pregnancy rates and implantation rates. This study reports the differences between a new LAH method and two conventional LAH techniques. Materials and Methods: The authors studied 151 patients with repeated implantation failure, who were divided into three groups. Results: In group 1, the zona pellucida (ZP) was opened using LAH (n = 52). In group 2, laser-assisted thinning was performed to dissolve the outer layer of the ZP (n = 49). In group 3, laser-assisted thinning was performed to dissolve the inner layer of the ZP (n = 50). The clinical pregnancy rates and implantation rates among the groups were compared. The results demonstrate that there are significant differences in the clinical pregnancy rates and implantation rates between group 3 and the other two groups. Conclusion: Performing laser-assisted thinning to dissolve the inner layer of the ZP markedly increases the pregnancy rates and implantation rates of patients with repeated implantation failure.