Testicular mapping-guided sperm retrieval upfront microTESE in non-obstructive azoospermia: a comparison of sperm retrieval, pregnancy and live-birth rates.

Background: Sperm extraction by Microscopic Testicular Sperm Extraction (microTESE) has become the standard of care for sperm retrieval (SR) in men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) but is costly and has a 40-50% chance of failure. Fine needle aspiration mapping (FNAM) can be performed prior to microTESE as a predictor of success to reduce the likelihood of failure to retrieve sperm but there is limited evidence that directly compares these methods. The objective of this study was to compare success rate of SR, pregnancy, and live birth rates in men who underwent upfront microTESE versus FNAM.

Complications of cerebrospinal fluid drainage in thoracoabdominal aortic procedures.

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage is used to reduce spinal cord ischemia (SCI) in patients undergoing thoracoabdominal aortic procedures. Recent literature has found high rates of complication associated with CSF drainage, which has led to changes in practice. The aim of this study was to investigate rates of CSF drain-related complications in patients undergoing a thoracoabdominal aortic procedure with perioperative placement of a CSF drain.

Electroconvulsive Therapy in a Left Ventricular Assist Device Recipient With Treatment-Resistant Depression.

Depression and heart failure are highly comorbid, with up to 35% of heart failure patients suffering from comorbid depression. Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) serve as a major lifeline for patients with heart failure; however, despite the drastic improvement in cardiac function following LVAD implantation, up to 24% of LVAD recipients suffer from depression. Depression management in LVAD recipients is often complicated by the recipient's increased risk for antidepressant side effects, adverse drug reactions, and inability to safely receive certain interventional psychiatry therapies, as the LVAD is either a relative or absolute contraindication.

Transformative Therapies for Depression: Postpartum Depression, Major Depressive Disorder, and Treatment-Resistant Depression.

Depressive disorders present an enormous global public health burden. A notable treatment gap exists between the prevalence of depression and our ability to provide rapid-acting, effective treatment that achieves remission. Brexanolone and zuranolone, the first US Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs for postpartum depression, signify a critical advancement in addressing the unmet needs of a vulnerable patient population.