zona pellucida drilling
Pronunciation: ZO-nah peh-LU-si-dah
Assisted reproductive technique that creates a small opening in the embryo's protective shell to facilitate hatching and implantation.
Full Definition
Zona pellucida drilling is a laboratory procedure performed during IVF cycles where a precise opening is made in the zona pellucida using laser or chemical methods. This technique, also known as assisted hatching, is employed when the zona pellucida appears abnormally thick or hardened, which may impede natural embryo hatching and subsequent implantation. The procedure is particularly considered for patients with advanced maternal age, repeated implantation failure, or embryos that have undergone cryopreservation.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as 'AH' for assisted hatching in clinical notes.
In Context
- "The embryologist recommended zona pellucida drilling for the patient's frozen embryo transfer due to zona hardening from cryopreservation." — IVF laboratory report
- "Assisted hatching through zona pellucida drilling may improve implantation rates in women over 38 years of age." — Clinical protocol