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In-Vitro Fertilization - Embryo Transfer
(IVF-ET)
Supplemental IVF
Procedures
In-vitro fertilization with
assisted hatching: A technique used to
enhance pregnancy rates for some patients is "assisted
hatching." Assisted hatching involves placing a hole in the outer
shell that surrounds each embryo (the zona pellucida) using a
special microscopic technique. This facilitates the
"hatching" of the embryo from its shell before
implanting into the uterine lining. Some patients,
especially patients of advanced reproductive age or patients
who have had an prior unsuccessful IVF cycle, often benefit
from having assisted hatching performed prior to embryo
transfer.
In-vitro fertilization with donor eggs:
If a woman cannot produce
healthy eggs (due to advanced age or medical reasons) or is at
risk for passing on a genetic disorder, the use of donor eggs
and embryos is an option. Some couples use eggs from family members or
friends, others choose anonymous donation. When donor eggs are
used, both women take medication to synchronize their cycles so that when the donor is ovulating the
recipient's uterus is at a stage where it can support
implantation. The donor will also take fertility drugs so that
she will produce more than one egg during the cycle, thereby
reducing the chances of having to repeat the procedure. Once
the donor egg is fertilized in the lab then IVF
is carried out in the usual way.
Pre Implantation Genetic Diagnosis
(PGD): PGD is used to screen embryo(s) prior to
implantation to enhance selection of embryos free of chromosomal
abnormalities which might cause implantation to fail or the
pregnancy to be disrupted. PGD is also used to screen for
sex selection, or for genetic diseases
that may be passed on to a baby, such as cystic fibrosis,
muscular dystrophy, or sickle cell anemia.
In-vitro fertilization with coculture: Some embryos need a little
help to develop properly in the lab. These embryos are incubated
with a layer of support cells to more closely mimic the environment
of a fallopian tube. These special cells may secrete growth
factors to help embryos divide,
reduce embryo fragmentation, and improve the chance that
they will successfully implant in the uterus. This procedure
is beneficial for patients who have had prior unsuccessful IVF,
older patients, and those with less than ideal quality
embryos.
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Supplemental
Services
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