Comparing embolization and surgery for treating chronic subdural hematomas
Official title: Chronic Subdural Hematoma Treatment with Embolization vs Surgery or MedicalManagement Study (CHESS)
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-11142185 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a new treatment called middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) is better than traditional surgery for helping people with chronic subdural hematomas, and it’s for patients who have moderate symptoms and want to see if this new option can lead to fewer surgeries and better recovery in the next six months.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $2,854,548 |
| NIH project number | 4UH3NS128397-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11142185 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with moderately symptomatic chronic subdural hematomas who are considering treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe symptoms or those who have already undergone treatment for chronic subdural hematomas may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) compared to conventional surgery for treating chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH). It aims to determine if MMAE can reduce the need for additional surgeries and improve patient outcomes within 180 days. The study will involve multiple centers and will randomly assign patients with moderately symptomatic CSDH to receive either MMAE or conventional surgery. Patients will be monitored for safety and efficacy, focusing on neurological status and adverse events.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a less invasive treatment option for patients with chronic subdural hematomas, potentially leading to better outcomes and fewer complications.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary experiences suggest that MMAE may be more effective than conventional surgery, but this research is among the first to rigorously compare these approaches in a randomized controlled trial.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kan, Peter Tze Man — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Kan, Peter Tze Man
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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NeoCast: A new embolic treatment for chronic subdural hematoma
A new, fast-acting embolic therapy called NeoCast may reduce bleeding in chronic subdural hematoma patients and lower the need for extensive brain surgery.
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Embolization versus surgery for chronic subdural hematoma
It compares a less-invasive artery-blocking procedure (middle meningeal artery embolization) with standard surgery for adults with moderately symptomatic chronic subdural hematoma.
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Investigating brain stiffness to predict outcomes in chronic subdural hematoma treatment
This study is looking at how the stiffness of the brain can help doctors understand and treat chronic subdural hematoma (a type of brain bleeding) in older adults, using special imaging to see how the brain responds after treatment.
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Middle Meningeal Artery Embolisation to Prevent Recurrence of Chronic Subdural Hematoma
This study tests whether embolising the middle meningeal artery around the time of hematoma evacuation can reduce recurrence in adults with chronic subdural hematoma.
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What causes vulnerability in older adults with serious diseases and how it affects care decisions
This study tests how often vulnerability factors appear in older adults with serious illnesses and how these factors influence treatment timing, survival, and quality of life.
-
Coil embolization for unilateral vs bilateral chronic subdural hematomas
This trial tests whether unilateral or bilateral coil-based embolization of the middle meningeal artery helps people with chronic subdural hematoma.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.