Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization for Chronic Subdural Hematoma

Endovascular middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization is an emerging treatment for chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH). There is preliminary data to suggest that this minimally invasive therapy may be more efficacious and equally as safe compared to conventional, more invasive surgery. This study seeks to assess the safety and efficacy of middle meningeal artery embolization for chronic subdural hematoma as an adjunct to standard treatments, which include medical management and surgical evacuation.

This study seeks to assess the safety and efficacy of middle meningeal artery embolization for chronic subdural hematoma in addition to standard treatments, which include close observation and surgical evacuation. Middle meningeal artery embolization has emerged recently as a minimally invasive and successful method of preventing re-accumulation of subdural hematoma, particularly for patients that are not obvious surgical candidates or those with recurrent or refractory hematomas. The outcomes of these two groups of patients who undergo middle meningeal artery embolization will be compared to matched historical controls. Middle meningeal artery embolization is a minimally invasive angiography procedure completed with use of fluoroscopy. Access is obtained through the femoral or radial artery and a catheter is advanced to the MMA. Polyvinyl alcohol particles are then injected to seal off this portion of the artery and prevent any further blood flow into the subdural hematoma. Hemostasis is obtained at the access site and the patient is observed for 24-48 hours on a neurological care unit before discharge. A head CT, NIHSS, and modified Rankin Score will be repeated on the following schedule: • Pre-Procedure 24 hours post procedure 7-10 days post procedure 30 days post procedure 90 days post procedure Patients with chronic subdural hematoma undergo CT scans and neurologic assessments on hospital admission, as well as follow up CT scans and neurologic assessments to assess for any change in neurologic status or hematoma size. This study utilizes a standard of care follow up schedule to avoid exposing participants to extra radiation. Participants will be followed for study related purposes for 90 days.

A head CT will be repeated 24 hours after the procedure, 7-10 days, 30 days, and 90 days post procedure to measure any change in size of the SDH compared to pre-procedure size

The participant requires a post-procedure (post-MMA embolization) evacuation of the subdural hematoma due to re-occurrence or persistence of hematoma and symptoms

Procedure-related complications will be compared between embolization and historical surgical patients assessed through study completion, 90 days

Change in score on National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. The NIH Stroke Scale is used to quantify neurologic impairments. It consists of 11 items each scored between 0 and 4 points. The maximum score is 42, indicating severe impairment, and the minimum score is 0. Stroke severity 0 No stroke symptoms 1-4 Minor stroke 5-15 Moderate stroke 16-20 Moderate to severe stroke 21-42 Severe stroke

Change in score on modified Rankin Scale The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) measures the degree of disability or dependence after a stroke or other neurologic disease. The scale runs from 0-6, with 0 indicating perfect health with no symptoms to 6 indicating death. 0 - No symptoms. - No significant disability. Able to carry out all usual activities, despite some symptoms. - Slight disability. Able to look after own affairs without assistance, but unable to carry out all previous activities. - Moderate disability. Requires some help, but able to walk unassisted. - Moderately severe disability. Unable to attend to own bodily needs without assistance, and unable to walk unassisted. - Severe disability. Requires constant nursing care and attention, bedridden, incontinent. - Dead.

Inclusion Criteria: Patients 18 years or older undergoing treatment for a new diagnosis of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) or Patients 18 year or older who have undergone surgical evacuation of a subdural hematoma and have a significant residual hematoma status post-surgery or who develop a recurrent subdural hematoma. and Minimal symptoms such as headache, altered mental status, or mild neurological deficit only Ability to understand and sign written informed consent by patient or LAR Exclusion Criteria: Significant midline shift and/or neurologic symptoms requiring urgent decompression. Common carotid stenosis of over 50%. Significant contraindication to angiography (eg. kidney failure, difficult anatomy). SDH related to underlying condition Acute SDH