What is embryonic support?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was written by Doctor Diem Thi Yen - Doctor of IVF Lab, Reproductive Support Center - Vinmec Times City International Hospital

Today, when it comes to techniques in assisted reproduction, the method of "Embryo release support" has become gradually familiar to patients undergoing IVF. So, what is actually supporting the embryo to escape the membrane? And why support embryo escape?

We start with a quick understanding of the structure of the embryo. Normally, an embryo will have a basic structure consisting of a transparent membrane covering the outside, and inside are cells that will develop into embryos, later embryos, they are called blastomeres. Depending on the age of the embryo, the number, shape and structure of blastomeres will be different.
Even, on day 5, the cells have differentiated and clearly define which group of cells will develop into the baby (Inner cell mass-ICM), which group of cells will develop into the placenta (Trophectoderm -TE). ), in addition, there is a fluid-filled cavity in the lumen of the embryo, called the blastocyst cavity. Because of that, day 5 embryos are also known as blastocysts, blastocysts, and blastocysts.
According to the natural development process, by day 5 - 6, the number of embryo cells becomes more abundant (>100 cells), the blastocyst cavity also grows larger, the Zona membrane becomes thinner and will gradually Tear apart so that the embryo comes out (hatching) and is ready for nesting.
Thus, in the event that for some reason, the Zona membrane cannot be torn off, the embryo will not be able to escape, the implantation will not occur, resulting in no pregnancy after embryo transfer. Therefore, we need to support the embryo with special techniques.

1. Definition of membrane support

Assisted hatching (AH) is a micromanipulation technique in assisted reproduction in which a transparent membrane is thinned or perforated to assist embryo exit with ease. The aim is to increase the implantation rate of the embryo.

2. Techniques to support embryo escape

The method of supporting the embryo to escape the membrane has been studied and mentioned since the 90s.
Zona membrane can be punctured by mechanical method with 1 small cut on the Zona membrane, so it is also called the cutting method. Zona membrane. In addition, support for embryonic drainage can also be done by chemical methods, embryologists will use Tyrode acid to make the Zona thin film conductive and tear. However, these methods all reveal many disadvantages of their own and may affect the development of the embryo later on. Therefore, Tadir and Palankar describe for the first time a method of laser assisted embryonic drainage, which uses laser beams to perforate at the desired site of perforation in the shingles membrane and thus with little effect on the internal blastomeres. Today, laser embryo support is the technique used mainly in IVF centers that perform embryonic support, because of its outstanding advantages compared to other techniques. other.

Embryonic support technology is currently being applied at most of the major and reputable assisted reproductive centers around the world. This technique is one of the assisted reproductive techniques that have been put into practice at the Assisted Reproductive Center - Vinmec International General Hospital.
Vinmec Fertility Center is the leading modern center in Vietnam, built and applied a treatment process that coordinates comprehensive examination, combining both male and female obstetrics and gynecology to offer the optimal plan. for each patient case.
Center gathers a team of leading experts in the field of obstetrics and gynecology in the country and abroad, trained at leading centers in the world such as in the US, Singapore, Japan, Australia and Support centers famous breed in the world. With a high level of expertise and extensive experience, Vinmec's team of experts is capable of synchronously and comprehensively deploying today's most advanced assisted reproductive techniques, helping to realize fulfill the parenting dream of hundreds of families across Vietnam.
In addition, the successful pregnancy rate thanks to the implementation of assisted reproductive methods at Vinmec IVF Fertility Center reaches 45%-50%, equivalent to the success rate worldwide. This is really a reliable address for couples who hope to have a healthy baby.

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