Rush University Medical Center

This international study is observing which of two procedures better controls recurrent fainting spells (vasovagal syncope) in younger patients. It compares a nerve ablation procedure (cardioneuroablation) that modifies heart nerve signals to a standard pacemaker implantation. Th…

This study tests whether a church-based program can help African Americans better manage their high blood pressure. Over 300 participants with uncontrolled blood pressure will receive support through Bible studies, nutrition education, and social encouragement to improve diet and…

This study is testing if encouraging recreational activities like hobbies, games, and social events can help people replace unhealthy habits that lead to heart disease and diabetes. Researchers will first observe 120 adults to understand their daily choices, then some will be inv…

This study aims to figure out which specific parts of COPD self-management programs are most effective at keeping people out of the hospital and improving their quality of life. Researchers will test three main components—education, inhaler training, and physical activity—in diff…

This study is testing whether using an AI-guided tool during a heart procedure can make the treatment faster and more precise. It focuses on patients who have had a heart attack and now experience a dangerous, fast heart rhythm called ventricular tachycardia. Researchers will com…

This study is comparing two different methods to break up large or hard-to-treat stones in the bile or pancreatic ducts. About 40 adults will have a procedure where their stones are treated with either a low-power laser or a shockwave device. Researchers want to see which method …

This study aims to find the best time of day to test if ICU patients on breathing machines are ready to breathe on their own. Researchers will compare whether doing these breathing tests early in the morning or later in the morning helps patients get off ventilators faster. The s…

This study aims to help people with PTSD who didn't improve with their first therapy. Researchers will test different second-round therapy options to see which works best for different people. The goal is to create a system that identifies non-responders early and matches them wi…

This study is comparing two different types of knee implant bearings used when a previous knee replacement needs to be fixed or replaced. Researchers want to see which type leads to better patient satisfaction, fewer complications, and a longer-lasting result. The study will foll…

This study is testing a new team-based program to help people better manage their high blood pressure. It will involve 200 African American and Latinx adults from Chicago's West Side who have uncontrolled hypertension. The program provides remote blood pressure monitoring, suppor…

This study is testing whether morning bright light therapy, delivered through special glasses, can help control Crohn's disease symptoms. Researchers want to see if this light treatment can strengthen the gut lining, reduce inflammation, and improve quality of life. The study wil…

This study tests whether using noninvasive breathing support right after removing a ventilator tube helps severely obese patients avoid needing the tube reinserted. Researchers will compare two different breathing support methods in 250 patients who have been on ventilators. The …

This study aims to find the best way to give a drug called tranexamic acid (TXA) to control bleeding during major spine surgery. Researchers are comparing a single dose to multiple doses, and pills to intravenous (IV) delivery, in 604 patients. The goal is to see which method mos…

This study aims to prevent acute pain from developing into long-term chronic pain by treating PTSD symptoms early. Researchers will enroll 345 adults with PTSD who arrive at the emergency room or clinic with new, non-injury pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive …

This study is testing if showing adults at risk for heart failure a quick ultrasound image of their own heart in the emergency room can motivate them to make healthier lifestyle changes. Researchers want to see if this visual tool, combined with education, leads to better diet, m…

This study is testing whether a special type of exercise called blood flow restriction (BFR) training helps people recover leg strength faster after hip surgery. Researchers will compare BFR training to standard rehab in 56 adults who had surgery for a hip labral tear or impingem…

This study is testing whether a new knee brace called KRONOS helps people recover better after ACL reconstruction surgery compared to a standard brace. Researchers will measure pain levels and how quickly patients regain full knee movement. The study needs 40 adults who are sched…

This study is testing if turning an implanted pain relief device on and off in short cycles works better than leaving it on all the time. It will compare two different pulsing speeds in 30 people who already have the device for chronic nerve pain. Each participant will try both p…

This study compares two vibrating breathing devices that help hospitalized patients clear mucus from their lungs. Researchers want to see which device works better for patients who struggle with airway secretions. The study involves 64 adult patients who will use one of the devic…

This study is testing if a special nerve-block injection can relieve sudden low back pain better than a placebo shot for adults in the emergency room. Researchers will compare the two treatments to see which one reduces pain faster and helps people get back to work and daily acti…

This small, early-stage study is testing whether a computer-based training program can help people with Huntington's disease improve their social skills. The program aims to help patients better recognize emotions in others and navigate social situations, which could improve thei…

This study is testing whether a telehealth therapy program can help children with rare genetic syndromes improve their communication and reduce challenging behaviors. Children aged 2-12 with conditions like Angelman syndrome or Fragile X will work with therapists and their parent…

This study is testing a new pain medication called (2R,6R)-HNK, which is related to ketamine, to see if it can relieve chronic nerve pain in the arms or legs. Twenty-five adults with long-term nerve pain will receive three different single-dose infusions (the new drug, standard k…

This study is testing a new knee brace (ROAM OA) against a commonly used one to see which is better at reducing pain and improving walking for people with knee osteoarthritis. Researchers will measure changes in pain, walking ability, and knee stress over 8 weeks. The goal is to …

This study aims to find out which type of injection works better for relieving shoulder arthritis pain: a common steroid shot or a newer platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection. Researchers will compare these treatments in 200 adults with painful shoulder arthritis to see which prov…

This study is checking if common finger-clip oxygen monitors give less accurate readings for people with darker skin tones. Researchers will compare the monitor's reading to a direct blood test in 194 hospitalized patients who are already getting that blood test for their care. T…

This study aims to understand why people from lower-income backgrounds often lose less weight in standard behavioral weight loss programs compared to those with higher incomes. Researchers will enroll 230 adults with obesity and track their weight, diet, and activity over six mon…

This study aims to see if giving ICU doctors a specific score helps them make better predictions about whether a patient on a long-term breathing machine will survive one year. It involves over 200 ICU doctors and nurses who care for these patients. The goal is to improve how med…