Rush University Medical Center

This study tests whether using a computer algorithm (Ablation Index) to guide a heart ablation procedure can reduce the time it takes to treat ventricular tachycardia in people with scarred heart muscle from prior heart attacks. The trial will compare the AI-guided approach to th…

This study tests whether reducing PTSD symptoms can prevent acute pain from turning into chronic pain. Researchers will give 345 adults either a nerve block injection (stellate ganglion block) or trauma-focused talk therapy (cognitive processing therapy). The goal is to see if th…

This study compares two types of hip implants in people who need a repeat hip replacement (revision). One implant has a special 'dual mobility' design meant to lower the risk of the hip dislocating. About 322 adults will be randomly assigned to get either the dual mobility implan…

This study looks at whether encouraging people to do more recreational activities (like sports, hobbies, or social events) can help them make healthier choices and improve heart health. About 120 adults will join, and some will get extra support to add more fun activities to thei…

This pilot study tests a 12-week community-based program to help adults with uncontrolled high blood pressure. A team including a pharmacist, nurse, and community health workers provides medication management, monitoring, and education in local settings. The goal is to see if thi…

This study is looking at two ways to treat people who have frequent fainting spells due to a condition called vasovagal syncope. One option is a procedure called cardioneuroablation, which uses radiofrequency energy to target nerves around the heart. The other is getting a perman…

This study looks at whether giving multiple doses of tranexamic acid (TXA) by mouth or through a vein can reduce blood loss and the need for blood transfusions after spine surgery. It involves 604 adults scheduled for open back surgery who are at high risk for needing a transfusi…

This study tests a 12-month church-based program to help African Americans with uncontrolled high blood pressure lower their numbers. About 312 adults aged 18 and older will join, focusing on healthy eating, medication adherence, and lifestyle changes. The goal is to see if this …

This study looks at whether using noninvasive breathing support (like a mask or nasal prongs) right after removing the breathing tube can help severely obese patients avoid needing the tube again. About 250 adults with a BMI of 40 or higher who have been on a ventilator for at le…

This study tests whether a team of doctors, nurses, and social workers can help African American and Latinx adults with uncontrolled high blood pressure lower their numbers. Participants will receive extra support beyond standard care. The goal is to see if this approach leads to…

This study tests a new drug called (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK) for chronic nerve pain in the arms or legs. 25 adults will receive a single infusion of HNK, ketamine, or a placebo in random order, with 5 weeks between each. Researchers will measure pain levels, sleep, and dai…

This study compares two self-management programs for people with COPD: one with just mailed materials, and another that adds phone coaching. Researchers want to see which approach works best to reduce hospital stays and improve quality of life. 448 adults across the US who have h…

This study compares two handheld breathing devices (Aerobika and VibraPEP) that use vibrations to help people with lung problems cough up mucus. Researchers will enroll 64 adults who have trouble clearing airway secretions. The goal is to see which device works better at improvin…

This study tests whether a nerve block called an erector spinae plane block (ESPB) can reduce pain in adults with acute low back pain in the emergency department. 62 participants will receive either the ESPB or a sham injection. Researchers will measure pain scores for up to 2 ho…

This study tests a program called NurseNET, where nurses are trained to provide a short-term trauma therapy for PTSD. The goal is to make treatment easier to access for people who see their primary care nurse. Researchers will enroll 100 adults with PTSD symptoms and measure if s…

This study tests whether a new knee brace called KRONOS helps people recover better after ACL reconstruction surgery compared to the standard Breg T-Scope brace. About 40 adults who are having ACL surgery for the first time will be randomly assigned to wear one of the two braces.…

This study tests whether a short course of oral steroids (methylprednisolone) taken after knee replacement surgery can reduce pain, the need for opioid painkillers, and nausea. About 420 adults having their first knee replacement will be randomly assigned to receive either the st…

This study compares two types of knee implants (constrained condylar vs. posterior stabilized) used in revision knee replacement surgery. The goal is to see which one leads to better patient satisfaction and surgical outcomes. About 170 adults who need a second knee replacement w…

This study compares two procedures for breaking up large or stuck bile duct and pancreatic duct stones: a low-power laser and a shock-wave device. About 40 adults will be randomly assigned to one of the two treatments during an ERCP procedure. The goal is to see which method clea…

This study looks at whether using blood flow restriction during exercise can help people regain leg strength and function more quickly after hip arthroscopy. About 56 adults aged 18 to 40 with hip tears or impingement will be randomly assigned to either the special training or a …

This study compares two knee braces for people with knee arthritis affecting the inner part of the knee. Researchers will measure changes in pain and walking ability over 8 weeks. Participants must be 40-85 years old, have moderate pain, and be willing to wear the brace at least …

This study tests whether a computer-based training program can help people with Huntington's disease better understand others' emotions and social cues. Twenty participants will use the program at home and come in for follow-up visits. The goal is to see if this approach is pract…

This study tests whether morning bright light therapy can help people with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis by reducing gut leaks and inflammation. About 30 adults with stable medication will use a light box each morning for 8 weeks. Researchers will check changes in gut bar…

This study tests whether adding a nerve block injection (stellate ganglion block) to standard talk therapy (cognitive processing therapy) helps reduce PTSD symptoms more than either treatment alone. About 270 adults with PTSD will be assigned to one of three groups: combination t…

This study tests a virtual, parent-led therapy program for children aged 2-12 with genetic syndromes like Fragile X, Angelman, or Rett syndrome. The therapy focuses on teaching better communication and behavior strategies through weekly online coaching sessions. Researchers will …

This study looks at why people with lower income often have a harder time losing weight in behavioral programs. Researchers will track daily experiences and decision-making in 230 adults with obesity. The goal is to understand the barriers and improve future weight loss support.

This study looks at what to do when the first PTSD therapy doesn't work. Researchers will test different proven therapies on 400 adults who didn't respond to initial treatment. The goal is to find out which second treatment works best and create a tool to identify early who might…

This study looks at whether doing a breathing test early in the morning or later in the morning helps adult ICU patients get off a ventilator faster. About 348 adults who have been on a breathing machine for more than 48 hours will be split into two groups based on test timing. T…

This study tests whether a new nerve monitoring device (NeuroVision) can better prevent nerve injuries during spine surgery compared to standard hospital monitoring. About 148 adults having lateral spine surgery will be randomly assigned to one of the two monitoring methods. The …

This study looks at whether pulse oximeters—the clips placed on fingers to measure blood oxygen—are less accurate for people with darker skin. Researchers will compare readings from two standard oximeters with oxygen levels measured directly from blood in 194 adults already havin…

This study looks at whether a prebiotic supplement can improve gut health and lower inflammation in people living with HIV who also have alcohol use disorder. Researchers will give 40 participants either a prebiotic or a placebo for several weeks, then switch them to the other op…

This study looks at whether showing people a bedside ultrasound of their heart in the emergency room can help them understand their risk for heart failure and motivate them to eat better, exercise, and see a doctor. About 100 adults aged 45 or older with high blood pressure, diab…

This study looks at whether giving ICU doctors a special risk score (called ProVent-14) helps them better predict if a patient on a breathing machine for two weeks will survive one year. About 238 doctors, nurses, and other ICU staff will take part. The goal is to see if the scor…