Neurosciences Clinical Research

This is a listing of Loyola University Health System Neurosciences clinical research that is open and actively recruiting patients. Please click on the name of the research for a brief description, eligibility requirements and contact information. All research listed below have been approved by Loyola's Institutional Review Board chairman for promotion on our Web site.

For more information call (888) LUHS-888.

See all Clinical Research

Cardiovascular Health

CABANA Trial

Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal, rapid heart rhythm coming from the upper chambers of the heart (atria). Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of heart rhythm disorder. Instead of the heart beating in a steady pattern, in atrial fibrillation the upper chambers of the heart quiver rapidly in an unsteady manner. Atrial fibrillation may be treated with drug therapy designed to either prevent the heart rate from going too fast, or with drug therapy designed to maintain normal heart beating. In some institutions, atrial fibrillation also is treated with catheters inserted into blood vessels that can be placed inside the heart to eliminate the hot spots or triggers that start atrial fibrillation (catheter ablation). It is not known whether drug therapy or catheter ablation is better.

The Catheter Ablation Versus Anti-arrhythmic Drug Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation (CABANA) study is being done to compare drug therapy and catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation. This study will help decide which treatment approach is best or when one or the other therapy is preferred. The CABANA study also will compare the cost of care for the two treatment approaches and determine the effect these therapies have on quality of life.

Cardiovascular Health: Aortic Aneurysm

PRICELESS

At the time of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair surgery, a pressure-sensing device will be implanted in the aneurysm. It is permanently placed in the aneurysm sac and measures the pressure in the sac during the repair. Measurement readings from the sensor are painless and made with a device containing an antenna positioned over the abdomen.

It is believed that sensor measurements may be a useful addition to other tests that are used to measure the sac size and detect leaks from endovascular grafts.

The purpose of this research is to collect and compare sensor data with data from CT scan imaging and other diagnostic methods used in patients who have had a repair of the aneurysm.

Cardiovascular: Marfan Syndrome

Aortic Valve Surgery in Marfan Patients

The purpose of the trial is to collect information on how patients do after having surgery on their aortic valve and compare the results of those who had their valve replaced to those who had the valve repaired.