Needle aspiration of sperm from the testis in men with azoospermia

Rete Testis Needle Aspiration for Retrieval of Sperm in Men With Azoospermia Using Ultrasound Guidance

NA · Hadassah Medical Organization · NCT02418832

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

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages16 Years to 80 Years
SexMale
SponsorHadassah Medical Organization (other)
Locations1 site (Jerusalem)
Trial IDNCT02418832 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are men diagnosed with obstructive or non-obstructive azoospermia who are seeking sperm cell aspiration for IVF.

Not a fit: Patients who are healthy and non-azoospermic, or those unsuitable for the TEFNA procedure, will not benefit from this study.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Jerusalem

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Azoospermia, Rete Testis, TEFNA

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.