Neuropathic Pain and Neural Circuits Research Studies

We are proud to host an array of clinical trials for our patients so that they can take advantage of some of the newest treatment options for their conditions, and test some of the most recent technological innovations in neurosurgery. Our clinical trial efforts are assisted by collaborations with the Rhode Island Hospital (Level 1 Trauma Center) & Hasbro Children’s Hospital Emergency Departments, the Brown University Health Cancer Center, and the Norman Prince Spine Institute.

Below are some of our ongoing clinical trials:

Vista Collar Study – ENROLLING Subjects; PI Dr. Alexios Carayannopoulos, DO, MPH

Single-center, randomized, controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of the Vista Collar to provide relief of neck and radicular pain caused by mechanical problems in the neck.  The Vista Collar is a cervical collar that uses an inflatable air bladder to provide controllable pressure to the mid cervical region of neck.

Abbott TARGET Study – Closed to Enrollment; PI Dr. Alexios Carayannopoulos, DO, MPH

Multi- center study investigating the safety and efficacy of the FDA approved DRG (Dorsal root ganglion) Neurostimulation System for the treatment of chronic lower limb pain due to CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) types I and II.

InVivo INSPIRE Trial: Closed to Enrollment. PI Dr. Adetokunbo Oyelese MD, PhD

Multicenter study of the probable benefit of the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold™ by InVivo Therapeutics in terms of safety and neurologic recovery in patients with complete thoracic spinal cord injury (AISA). Patients are enrolled who present to the Rhode Island Hospital or Hasbro Children’s Hospital with acute spinal cord injury and meet all study-specific inclusion criteria, and receive an implantable, biodegradable device designed to encourage axonal regrowth into the damaged region of the spinal cord.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals SPRING Trial – Closed to enrollment; PI Dr. Adetokunbo Oyelese MD PhD

Multicenter study of efficacy and safety of VX-210 by Vertex Pharmaceuticals in patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injury to the cervical spine (AIS A or B). Patients are enrolled who present to the Rhode Island Hospital or Hasbro Children’s Hospital with acute spinal cord injury and meet all study-specific inclusion criteria, and are randomized to possibly receive an intraoperative pharmaceutical product applied during surgical decompression that may possibly improve neurological recovery after injury.

Mainstay Reactiv8 Trial – Closed to enrollment; PI Dr. Alexios Carayannopoulos, DO, MPH

Multi-center study evaluating the safety and effectiveness of an implantable electrical stimulation system called Reactiv8, to provide relief of chronic low back pain. Reactiv8 is a type of spinal stimulation system that causes muscle contraction in the lower back.

Abbott DELIVERY Trial – Closed to enrollment; PI Dr. Alexios Carayannopoulos, DO, MPH

Multi-center study comparing an anatomical versus a traditional lead placement for the BurstDR spinal cord stimulator, with the use of the St. Jude Medical^TM Invisible Trial system.  BurstDR is a stimulator used to treat trunk and limb pain. It differs from other spinal cord stimulators in that it does not cause a pins and needles or numbing sensations.