One of the most frustrating aspects of assisted reproductive technology for patients and fertility professionals alike is dealing with failure. This is especially true in couples who have attempted assisted reproductive procedures many times, and also in those whose time is running out because of their age. Assisted hatching offers hope to couples who fall into these categories. Assisted hatching was developed from the observation that embryos which had a thin zona pellucida (shell) had a higher rate of implantation during in vitro fertilization. It was postulated that creating a (minor defect in the zona might result in a greater chance of the embryo hatching); or shedding its shell, allowing for a better chance of implantation in the endometrium.