Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization Versus Conventional Treatment of Chronic Subdural Hematomas

Neurosurgery 89:486–495, 2021

Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization is an emerging minimally invasive endovascular technique for chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH). Currently, limited literature exists on its safety and efficacy compared with conventional treatment (open- surgical-evacuation-only).

OBJECTIVE: To compare MMA embolization to conventional treatment.

METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients with cSDHs treated with MMA embolization in a single center from 2018 to 2019 was performed. Comparisons were made with a historical conventional treatment cohort from 2006 to 2016. Propensity score matching analysis was used to assemble a balanced group of subjects.
RESULTS: A total of 357 conventionally treated cSDH and 45 with MMA embolization were included. After balancing with propensity score matching, a total of 25 pairs of cSDH were analyzed. Comparing the embolization with the conventional treatment group yielded no significant differences in complications (4% vs 4%; P > .99), clinical improvement (82.6% vs 83.3%; P = .95), cSDH recurrence (4.3% vs 21.7%; P = .08), overall re-intervention rates (12% vs 24%; P = .26), modified Rankin scale >2 on last follow-up (17.4% vs 32%; P = .24), as well as mortality (0% vs 12%; P = .09). Radiographic improvement at last follow-up was significantly higher in the open surgery cohort (73.9% vs 95.6%; P = .04). However, there was a trend for lengthier last follow-up for the historical cohort (72 vs 104 d; P = .07).

CONCLUSION: There was a trend for lower recurrence and mortality rates in the embolization era cohort. There were significantly higher radiological improvement rates on last follow-up in the surgical only cohort era. There were no significant differences in complications and clinical improvement.

Image-guided endoscopic surgery for spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hematoma

J Neurosurg 127:537–542, 2017

Endoscopic removal of intracerebral hematomas is becoming increasingly common, but there is no standard technique. The authors explored the use of a simple image-guided endoscopic method for removal of spontaneous supratentorial hematomas.

METHODS Virtual reality technology based on a hospital picture archiving and communications systems (PACS) was used in 3D hematoma visualization and surgical planning. Augmented reality based on an Android smartphone app, Sina neurosurgical assist, allowed a projection of the hematoma to be seen on the patient’s scalp to facilitate selection of the best trajectory to the center of the hematoma. A obturator and transparent sheath were used to establish a working channel, and an endoscope and a metal suction apparatus were used to remove the hematoma.

RESULTS A total of 25 patients were included in the study, including 18 with putamen hemorrhages and 7 with lobar cerebral hemorrhages. Virtual reality combined with augmented reality helped in achieving the desired position with the obturator and sheath. The median time from the initial surgical incision to completion of closure was 50 minutes (range 40–70 minutes). The actual endoscopic operating time was 30 (range 15–50) minutes. The median blood loss was 80 (range 40–150) ml. No patient experienced postoperative rebleeding. The average hematoma evacuation rate was 97%. The mean (± SD) preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score was 6.7 ± 3.2; 1 week after hematoma evacuation the mean GCS score had improved to 11.9 ± 3.1 (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS Virtual reality using hospital PACS and augmented reality with a smartphone app helped precisely localize hematomas and plan the appropriate endoscopic approach. A transparent sheath helped establish a surgical channel, and an endoscope enabled observation of the hematoma’s location to achieve satisfactory hematoma removal.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage and intracerebral hematoma caused by aneurysms of the anterior circulation

Subarachnoid hemorrhage and intracerebral hematoma caused by aneurysms of the anterior circulation

Neurosurg Rev (2014) 37:653–659

Additional space-occupying intracerebral hematoma (ICH) in patients suffering from subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a known predictor for poor outcome. Emergent clot evacuation might be mandatory. However, data concerning the influence of ICH location on outcome is scarce. Therefore, we analyzed the influence of ICH location on clinical course and outcome in patients with SAH and additional ICH.

One hundred seventy-four patients were treated with aneurysmal SAH and additional ICH between September 1999 and May 2012. Information including patient characteristics, treatment, and radiological findings were prospectively entered into a database. Patients were stratified according to ICH location and neurological outcome. Neurological outcome was assessed according to modified Rankin Scale (mRS).

ICH location was temporal (58.6 %), frontal (28.7 %), and perisylvian ICH (12.6%); 63.8% presented in poor admission status and favorable outcome was achieved in 35.6 %. In the multivariate analysis, favorable outcome was associated with young age, ICH <50 ml, and good admission status. The location of ICH was not associated with outcome. The current data confirms that a significant number of patients with ICH after aneurysm rupture achieve favorable outcome. Prognostic factor for favorable outcome are “age,” “size of the hematoma,” and “admission status.” The location of the ICH seems not to be associated with outcome.