Welcome to the Surgery Studies Page

About Surgery

Millions of minor and major surgeries are performed each year in the United States. Research into surgical interventions may focus on investigational devices, therapies for pain control, anesthesia research, technology-based support, rehabilitation programs, and quality of life measurements. Studies in this category may seek participants who are planning to have a surgical procedure, those that have already had surgery, or those interested in alternatives to surgery.

CURRENT STUDIES THAT MAY INTEREST YOU

NO IN-PERSON VISITS

Department of Surgery Research Participant Registry

Are you 18 years of age or older? Are you interested in hearing about research studies being conducted through the Department of Surgery? You may be eligible to participate in the Department of Surgery's research participant registry.

DURATION: Ongoing

VISITS: One phone call to join

LOCATION: Phone

COMPENSATION: NONE

NO IN-PERSON VISITS

MyPaTH Story Booth 2.0

Interested in sharing your story about health, illness, or research? Patients and caregivers are needed to participate in a research study to help learn more about topics that are important to you and that may improve health and health care. Participation involves one 45-minute session that takes place over the phone. Eligible participants must be able to read and understand English.

DURATION: 45 minutes

VISITS: 1 visit or phone call

LOCATION: By phone

COMPENSATION: NONE

Sevoflurane & Neurocognition Study (SENS)

Are you a healthy adult 18-59 years old? You may be eligible for a research study to better understand the inhalational anesthetic sevoflurane prevents memory formation and affects of the experience of pain. Compensation is provided.

DURATION: 4-5 hours total

VISITS: Screening, followed by 2 in-person study visits

LOCATION: UPMC Montefiore & UPMC Presbyterian Hospitals - Oakland

COMPENSATION: Up to $250

Spinal Cord Stimulation for the treatment of motor deficits in people with Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Are you affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy? You may be able to participate in a research study using spinal cord stimulation (SCS), an approved clinical therapy for pain syndromes that do not respond to drugs. Unexpectedly, SCS has shown the ability to promote the recovery of leg motor function in people with complete motor paralysis in consequence of spinal cord injury years after injury.

DURATION: 9 months

VISITS: 35 visits

LOCATION: UPMC Presbyterian

COMPENSATION: $1750