Section 6
Saturn
™
Laser Systems Intended Uses
6
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Research Instruments Ltd
SECTION 6 - SATURN 5 LASER SYSTEM INTENDED USES
Laser Assisted Hatching
The aim of Laser Assisted Hatching (LAH) is to locally weaken the zona pellucida. The specimen is viewed
along the optical axis and the laser creates a trench in the zona pellucida which extends above and
below the apparent hole.
To minimise the risk of damage to blastomeres, users should administer as
few laser pulses as possible at the shortest pulse widths possible to achieve
prescribed zona drilling or thinning effects.
The optimum diameter of the hole is determined by the thickness and/or
hardness of the zona. Larger holes are necessary in thicker zona. Smaller
holes are preferable for thin zona. The hole may fully breach the zona,
whilst some users prefer to ablate only a fraction of the zona thickness, but
across a wider area. This process is commonly referred to as zona thinning.
Only a single opening should be made in the zona pellucida. Multiple
openings or those that are too small may prevent embryo hatching or lead
to abnormal development.
The site chosen for the hole should be a section of the zona pellucida where the adjacent perivitelline
space is widest or next to an area of fragmentation. This will minimise possible damage due to heating
of adjacent blastomeres. The Exclusion Zone display can help with this.
To achieve a zona opening of 15µm, select a pulse width which will result in a hole size of 9.3µm to 9.5µm.
A minimum of 4 shots should be applied to breach the inner and outer layers of the zona pellucida. Hole
sizes of up to 10.5µm may be used without affecting blastocyst development rate.
Note:
Assisted Hatching is not recommended for routine use in all ART patients.
Circle shows hole
as viewed through
microscope
Embryo Biopsy Procedure
The aim of embryo biopsy is to remove a part of the whole embryo which can then be analysed for
chromosomal or genetic abnormalities.
The Saturn 5 Laser System is only to be used for the uses stated in the Indications for Use section of
this manual.
Cleavage Stage Blastomere Biopsy
This biopsy is generally performed at the 6-8 cell stage of embryo development and typically 1 or 2 cells
(blastomeres) are removed for analysis.
WARNING
- Repeated exposure to laser energy can cause the cells to harden making
extraction of the biopsy cells more difficult to perform. A combination of laser shots,
aspiration and gentle manipulation is recommended to separate the biopsy from the
embryo.
