Medstar Health Research Institute

This study compares two types of hip implants used in total hip replacement surgery: one with a collar and one without. The goal is to see if the collared design reduces implant sinking and lowers the risk of bone fractures around the implant. About 100 adults getting a first-tim…

This early-stage study tests whether a harmless bacterium called Lactobacillus crispatus, when placed directly into the bladder, is safe and can help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in adults with spinal cord injury who use a catheter. Forty participants will receive two …

This study tests a new pessary system designed for easier home use in women with pelvic organ prolapse. About 200 women who have never used a pessary will be randomly assigned to either the new system or standard care. The main goal is to see if the new system leads to higher sat…

This study tests a virtual reality (VR) program that uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help people with long-term cancer pain. Forty adults with cancer and pain lasting at least 3 months will use the VR headset at home for 10 minutes daily over two weeks. The goal is to see if…

This study tests whether taking rimegepant before a known trigger (like exercise, alcohol, or stress) can prevent a migraine from developing. It involves 60 adults with migraine who have reliable triggers. Participants take the medication ahead of the trigger and report if a head…

This study explores whether virtual reality (VR) can help people with cancer manage chronic pain and possibly reduce their need for opioid painkillers. Researchers will ask 25 adults with cancer-related pain to use a VR headset for at least 10 minutes daily for one week. The goal…

This study tests whether a prescription app called RiSolve can reduce overactive bladder symptoms in women better than standard educational handouts. About 596 women will use the app for 10 weeks or receive paper guides. Researchers will measure changes in symptom severity and qu…

This study tests whether a closed incision negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) device can reduce wound complications after breast reduction surgery. 92 women will have one breast treated with the device and the other with standard adhesive strips. The goal is to see if the d…

This study is testing whether a probiotic (Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG) placed directly into the bladder can reduce urinary symptoms in people with neurogenic bladder who use an indwelling catheter. Researchers will also look at changes in urine inflammation, bacteria, and the ove…

This study interviews 60 adults with spinal cord injuries and neurogenic bladder, plus their caregivers, to learn about their experiences with different types of bladder washes (gentamicin, lactobacillus, or both). The goal is to understand what they like, dislike, and find helpf…

This study looks at the experiences of 200 adults with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) to understand how they were diagnosed and treated. Researchers want to find out why some patients are not receiving approved therapies, such as financial or access barriers. The goal is to improv…