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In vitro fertilization IVF pictures of assisted hatching

Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago
In Vitro Fertilization Specialist Clinic
Gurnee & Crystal Lake, Illinois

The photos below demonstrate the process of assisted hatching in IVF. The pictures are from different embryos and different fertility patients.

Assisted hatching can improve the chances for a couple to achieve successful pregnancy with in vitro fertilization. The concept is that some embryos may need some help escaping from within their shells - so that they can implant in the mother's uterine lining.

IVF picture just prior to beginning the hatching process on an 8-cell embryo


Picture of assisted hatching IVF embryo

Holding pipette on left holds embryo in place
Hatching is done by injecting a solution through the hollow needle on the right
Some cumulus cells from the ovary are stuck to the embryo's shell at 4 to 6 o'clock


Early in the hatching process

IVF image

Hatching a high quality 8-cell embryo
A small opening is being made in the embryo's shell (zona pellucida)


Hatching is progressing further

Assisted hatching at ivf

The needle has been further advanced through the embryo's shell
A gap in the shell is developing


Hatching is progressing further - almost completed

IVF hatching

A gap in the zona has been created
The oolemma (egg membrane) is bulging and about to "pop"
When it pops - assisted hatching is complete


Hatching completed

Overview


Assisted hatching detail image

Zoomed-in detail of needle tip (N) and zona (Z)

The zona and the oolemma have been breached
Tip of hatching needle is now seen just inside the shell
The gap in the zona is seen between the arrows in the upper image
Dissolving the hole in the zona from start to finish takes about 5 seconds


Hatching blastocyst from ivf

A day 5 blastocyst that is hatching from its shell
Part of the embryo is still inside the shell (upper left), and part has hatched out of the shell (lower right)

This is what we are trying to "assist" when we use assisted hatching


Empty zona pellucida from IVF

"Empty zona" - the cells of the embryo have escaped through a crack in the zona
The break can be seen by the "X" at 5 o'clock


An embryo that has completely hatched (hatched blastocyst) can implant in the uterus

If you are reading this - you hatched too...

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Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago

        Gurnee, IL                        Crystal Lake, IL
  (847) 662-1818                                 (815) 356-1818


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