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Research Studies

We are a dedicated research facility for all phases of pharmaceutical clinical studies and device related studies.

The Center for Clinical Research was organized in January 2000 by Dr. Richard L. Rauck. We are a dedicated research facility for all phases of pharmaceutical clinical studies and device related studies. We take pride in conducting high-quality research as well as maintaining the well-being of our patients. The Center for Clinical Research partners with many private companies as well as the largest drug corporations to conduct groundbreaking research.

Our highly trained staff include a recruitment team, a regulatory team, and four study coordinators. The Center for Clinical Research is directed by Dr. Richard L. Rauck, and joined by attending physicians Dr. James North, Dr. Leo Kapural and Dr. Christopher Gilmore, and Dr. Kamal Ajam. These physicians also serve as principal investigators on all of our studies.

Amputee Pain

Is Residual/Phantom Limb Pain Holding You Back?

Volunteers with non-traumatic lower extremity amputations are needed for participation in a clinical research study.

Doctors and other medical professionals are currently exploring if small electrical pulses can reduce phantom limb and residual limb pain.  Electrical stimulation is small pulses of electricity that are sent to different parts of the body to improve function.  The electrical stimulation device being researched is an outpatient procedure, so you will be able to go home within that same day.

This study is being conducted to determine if high frequency stimulation can provide pain relief in people with non-traumatic post-amputation pain.  You may be eligible to participate in this study if:

  • You are 21 years of age or older/legally able to sign consent
  • Have had chronic post-amputation pain for at least 6 months that is resistant to pain medication
  • Drug therapy must be stable for at least 6 weeks prior to implant
  • Unilateral amputation lower extremity

There will be no additional costs to you for participating in this research study.  You will be compensated for your time.

To learn more, call 336-714-8388

Register for the Amputee Pain Research Study

Amputee

Are  you suffering from phantom limb or residual  limb pain >4 after a traumatic lower extremity amputation? The Center for Clinical Research has a clinical trial using a stimulator to test treatment for amputee pain! Study-related treatment is of no cost to you, and you could be compensated for your travel pertaining to the clinical trial.

To qualify you must:

  • Be 21 years or older
  • Have traumatic lower extremity amputation
  • Have phantom limb or residual limb pain of >4

If you are currently suffering from abdominal pain and would be interested in learning more about our research study please call 336-714-8388.

Register for the Amputee Pain Study

Chronic low back pain

The Center for Clinical Research is conducting a research study using a Peripheral Nerve Simulator to test a new treatment option for chronic low back pain patients.

Our well-trained doctors are experts on CRPS and are the Principal Investigators over the study.

Participants must:

  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Have chronic low back pain in the lumbar region between L1-S1 lasting for more than 12 weeks
  • Average low back pain score of >4
  • At least 4 weeks of stable treatment /medication therapy
  • BMI >40

For more information, call (336)714-8388.

Register for the CLBP Research Study

Diabetic Gastroparesis

Have pain and nausea from Diabetic Gastroparesis. The Center for Clinical Research is performing a study that aims to relieve that pain!

Participants must:

  • Be 18+ years of age
  • Be diagnosed with Diabetes for at least 5 years, with controlled levels (no episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis, Hpersomolar Hyperglycemia, Nonketotic Diabetic Syndrome, or severe hypoglycemia within 6 months
  • A1C < 11.0 and have been treated at least 3 months with meds to control A1C
  • Diabetic Gastroparesis at least 3 months prior to screening of symptoms on an ongoing basis that are suggestive of Gastroparesis (eg nausea and abdominal pain, post-prandial fullness, bloating, vomiting, and early satiety)
  • Provide a negative pregnancy test and at least two forms of contraception
  • Absence of an obstructing lesion on upper endoscopy and or other equivalent diagnostic test, performed before screening, but after the appearance of symptoms that led to diagnosis of Diabetic Gastroparesis
  • At least two vomiting episodes in the last two weeks
  • Able to work a smart phone and understand English

For more information, call (336) 714-8388

Register for the Diabetic Gastroparesis Research Study

Sciatica

Do you have sciatica?  We are seeking volunteers interested in participating in a clinical study of sciatic joint pain.

Our study uses a clonidine pellet injection that aims to relieve the pain. You will be compensated for your time.

Patients must be:

  • Be between 18-70 years of age
  • Have a diagnosis of unilateral radicular leg pain supported by history, PE and attributable MRI findings:  a) the subjects average daily pain) is >6 and <9 on the 0-10 NRS scale at D1 b) The pain must  have a radiuclar component (radiation into the leg along the L3-S1 (inclusive dermatomal pattern) and may or may not be associated with additional neuropathic features such as sensory, motor or reflexes. c) Radiuclar pain symptoms should be confined to primarily a single dermatomal level as confirmed on PE (to allow determination of injection level). The leg pain must extended below the knee and be consistent with one of the dermatomal distribution noted above. d)Radicular pain symptoms in the current episode must have been present for at least 8 weeks but no longer than 9 months at the time of screening. Subjects must not have had a significant reduction in the pain in the 1 to 2 weeks prior to screening (i.e. pain is improving) e) Eligible subjects must be able to separately distinguish and characterize the contribution of back and leg pain to their overall pain to independently assess the response of each to treatment.  Investigators must confirm that subjects can do so based upon pain diagrams and direct questioning. f) Eligible subjects must have failed conservative therapy in the opinion of the investigator (e.g., exercise, over the counter medication, physical therapy, etc,).
  • Women of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test at screening and within 24 hours prior to the injection procedure and commit to acceptable birth control during the period of the study
  • Sign an ICF indicating that he or she understand the purpose and any risks associated with the procedure required for any study and is willing to participate in the study
  • Be willing and able to adhere to the prohibitions and restrictions specified in the protocol
  • Be able to read, write, understand, and complete study-related tasks, and adequately communicate in English

For more information about this study, please call 336-714-8388.

Register for the Sciatica Research Study

Low back pain

Do you have low back pain primarily in the L5 region?  We are seeking volunteers interested in participating in a clinical study of low back pain.

Our study uses cooled radio-frequency ablation that aims to relieve the pain. You will be compensated for your time.

Patients must be:

  • >21 years of age or older
  • BMI < 40
  • Low back pain primarily in the L5 region
  • On a stable dose of opioids for 2 months (equal to or > 60 mg/day MED)
  • Diagnosis of moderate to severe CLBP for 3 months
  • Willing to use double barrier contraception
  • Previous SI joint injections >50% pain relief

For more information about this study, please call 336-714-8388.

Register for the Cooled RFA Research Study

Lumbosacral Radiculopathy

Do you have a diagnosis of lumbosacral radiculopathy?  We are seeking volunteers interested in participating in a clinical study of lumbosacral radiculopathy.

Our study uses ESI that aims to relieve the pain. You will be compensated for your time.

Patients must be:

  • 18-70 years of age
  • Have a diagnosis of  lumbosacral radiculopathy; current episode at least 6 weeks no more than 9 months
  • MRI in the last 9 months
  • Trunk and limb pain score >4
  • Stable on medication at least 30 days with no intent to change
  • Willing to come off opioids 30 days prior to screening; no NSAIDS

For more information about this study, please call 336-714-8388.

Register for the Lumbosacral Radiculopathy Research Study

Extended SCS trial

Do you have a diagnosis of low back and/or leg pain?  We are seeking volunteers interested in participating in a clinical study of low back and/or leg pain with a commercially available SCS trial.

You will be compensated for your time.

Patients must be:

  • At least 18 years of age
  • Planned to undergo a commercial SCS trial of standard duration for the treatment of low back and/or leg pain with a commercially available SCS system
  • Planned utilization of preoperative antibiotics for SCS commercial trial
  • Placement of two-eight electrode SCS trial leads (or at least one 16- electrode SCS trial lead) using a suitable technique for an extended trial with at least one lead covering the T9 vertebral level
  • Pain score >6
  • Passed psychological evaluation or at least scheduled
  • Negative MRSA screening result
  • Negative MSSA screening result or documentation of subsequent decolonization routine if MSSA positive
  • For diabetic patients: minimum of one HbA1c test within the last 6 months, with most recent result <7.5%
  • Must be able to read, write, and understand English

For more information about this study, please call 336-714-8388.

Register for the Extended SCS Trial Research Study

Chronic primary axial back pain

Do you have a diagnosis of chronic, primary axial back pain?  We are seeking volunteers interested in participating in a clinical study of chronic primary axial back pain based on consultation with a spine surgeon or neurosurgeon.

Our study uses spinal cord simulation to relieve the pain. You will be compensated for your time.

Patients must be:

  • At least 18 years of age
  • Have a diagnosis of chronic, primary axial back pain based on consultation with a spine surgeon or neurosurgeon
  • Not candidates for or eligible for major lumbar spine surgery such as fusion, microdiscectomy, laminectomy, arthroplasty, etc; or present with spinal conditions for which surgery is typically indicated but must not be considered eligible for surgery due to lack of severity, lack of clearly identifiable structural cause, lack of desire to undergo major lumbar surgery or other factors
  • Pain score >5; should have a predominant neuropathic component
  • Have not had any surgery for back or leg pain or any surgery resulting in back or leg pain
  • Stable dose of pain medications for at least 28 days
  • Able to read and understand requirements
  • Able to use an electronic diary

For more information about this study, please call 336-714-8388.

Register for the Chronic primary axial back pain Research Study

Check back for updated Research Studies.

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Carolinas Pain Institute
Center for Clinical Research
145 Kimel Park, Suite 300
Winston-Salem, NC 27103

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Fax: 336.765.8492
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