Needle aspiration of sperm from the testis in men with azoospermia
Official title: Rete Testis Needle Aspiration for Retrieval of Sperm in Men With Azoospermia Using Ultrasound Guidance
Run by Hadassah Medical Organization · NCT02418832 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if a special needle procedure can help men with no sperm in their semen produce sperm from their testis for use in fertility treatments.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 16 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | Men only |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Hadassah Medical Organization Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Jerusalem) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 28, 2018 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | March 4, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT02418832 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are men diagnosed with obstructive or non-obstructive azoospermia who are seeking sperm cell aspiration for IVF.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are healthy and non-azoospermic, or those unsuitable for the TEFNA procedure, will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of ultrasonically guided Rete Testis needle aspiration to improve sperm production in men diagnosed with azoospermia. The procedure involves aspirating sperm from the Rete Testis, which is expected to contain a significant number of sperm cells, particularly in cases of obstructive azoospermia. Participants will undergo the aspiration procedure, and the samples will be analyzed for sperm viability. If successful, the sperm can be used for cryopreservation or fertilization in assisted reproductive technologies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance sperm retrieval rates for men with azoospermia, improving their chances of fathering children.
How similar studies have gone: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific technique of Rete Testis aspiration is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Men with Obstructive/Non-Obstructive Azoospermia who turned to sperm cell aspiration for IVF and were found suitable for TEFNA and signed consent form. Exclusion Criteria: * healthy, non-azoospermic men * men who are unsuitable for the TEFNA procedure * men who don't sign the Informed Consent
Where it's running
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Hadassah University Medical Center, Ein Kerem
Jerusalem, Israel Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Benjamin E. Reubinoff, MD PhD — Hadassah University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Benjamin E. Reubinoff, MD PhD
- Email: benjaminr@ekmd.huji.ac.il
- Phone: 972-2-677-7485
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Identifying genetic variants in non-obstructive azoospermia and primary ovarian insufficiency
This project will collect DNA from adults with NOA, oligospermia, or POI to try to find gene changes that may cause their infertility.
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IntelliWell: AI imaging to find ultra-rare sperm in testicular tissue
This will try an AI-assisted imaging platform to find rare sperm in testicular samples from men with non-obstructive azoospermia when standard processing finds no sperm.
-
Evaluating Testicular Imaging for Azoospermia Diagnosis
This study is testing if a special type of ultrasound can help doctors see differences in the tiny tubes in the testicles of men with no sperm and help figure out why that’s happening.
-
Enhancing fertility using stem cell therapy for gonadal dysfunction
This study is testing if stem cell therapy can help people with gonadal failure, like testicular or ovarian issues, improve their hormone levels and fertility when other treatments haven't worked.
-
Using platelet rich plasma to treat infertility in men
This study is testing if using platelet-rich plasma injections can help men with infertility, specifically those who have had trouble retrieving sperm, improve their chances of successful sperm extraction and IVF.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.