CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Assisted hatching
HELPING EMBRYOS ‘HATCH OUT’ OF THEIR SHELL
HCA UK provides treatments such as hatching of embryos to help people with fertility problems to have a baby.
About
Assisted hatching is a procedure that is used as part of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment. It involves using a laser to cut a hole in the shell of the embryo (zona pellucid) to enable implantation.
Where pregnancy fails, it is thought that it is because the embryo has been unable to naturally undergo this process, which is where assisted hatching can help.
Need to know
When an embryo (a fertilised egg) is transferred for implantation, it needs to 'hatch' out of its embryonic shell (the zona pellucid) in order to allow it to successfully come into direct contact with the cells of your womb lining.
Assisted hatching is usually performed 30 minutes before the transfer of the embryo on day three or five following egg collection.Prior to the embryo being transferred for implantation, your consultant will show you the embryo via a special camera located under a microscope. The embryo will then be placed into your uterus (womb) using a small catheter. The procedure is quick and painless.
Due to the small risk of damage to the embryo during assisted hatching (<1%), it may only be suggested in cases where there is a recurring history of implantation failure, embryos have thickening of the zona pellucid or the couple has an advanced maternal age.
Your consultant will explain these risks and any side effects in more detail and answer any questions you might have.
You can go home after both the assisted hatching and embryo transfer procedures. You don't need to stay in hospital overnight.
After the embryo has been transferred, you can get back to your usual routine straight away. You’ll be required to take progesterone supplements and you’ll have a pregnancy test two weeks later. If you’re pregnant, you’ll need to keep taking these supplements until you are 12 weeks pregnant.
Self-funding
Paying for medical treatment
You don't need medical insurance to have fast access to our top consultants, extensive range of treatments, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures at our world-class facilities.
Our {{EntityName}} locations
Lister Fertility Clinic at The Portland Hospital
215 Great Portland Street W1W 5PN London
Lister Fertility Clinic
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.