A randomized, prospective study comparing laser-assisted hatching and assisted hatching using acidified medium.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the clinical outcomes of patients whose transferred embryos underwent either laser-assisted hatching or hatching with acidified medium.


METHODS
Randomized, prospective, double-blinded study.


METHODS
University-based IVF center.


METHODS
Clinical outcomes following IVF were compared in 159 patient cycles who randomly had all transferred embryos undergo laser-assisted hatching (Laser; n = 57) or hatching with acidified medium (Acid; n = 54). Patients whose embryos had zonae thickness <13 mum were not hatched (Thin; n = 8) and patients with > or =4 embryos at the 7- to 8-cell stage or higher on Day 3 were transferred on Day 5 (Day 5; n = 40).


METHODS
Implantation rates, clinical pregnancy rates, ongoing pregnancy rates, multiple pregnancy rates.


RESULTS
No significant differences were noted in clinical, ongoing, or multiple pregnancy rates between the four groups. The implantation rate for Day 5 transfers was significantly greater than both the Laser and Acid treatment groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of a 1.48-micron infrared diode laser beam provides a safe and rapid method for performing assisted hatching and did not have a negative impact on patient care when compared to outcomes achieved using acidified medium.
Lanzendorf
Susan E
SE
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63108, USA. lanzendorfs@wustl.edu
Ratts
Valerie S
VS
Moley
Kelle H
KH
Goldstein
Jerald S
JS
Dahan
Michael H
MH
Odem
Randall R
RR
D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D018579:Patient Selection; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011446:Prospective Studies