Embolization versus surgery for chronic subdural hematoma
Chronic Subdural Hematoma Treatment with Embolization vs Surgery or MedicalManagement Study (CHESS)
It compares a less-invasive artery-blocking procedure (middle meningeal artery embolization) with standard surgery for adults with moderately symptomatic chronic subdural hematoma.
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 ID | NIH-11309173 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be randomly assigned to receive either middle meningeal artery embolization, a minimally invasive procedure that blocks blood flow to the hematoma, or conventional surgery to remove the blood collection. The study is being run at multiple hospitals and is open-label, so you and your care team will know which treatment you get. Doctors will follow you for 180 days to see whether you need additional (rescue) surgery, experience complications, or die, and they will monitor for strokes, serious adverse events, seizures, and new or worsening neurological problems. The aim is to find out if embolization leads to fewer repeat operations and a safer recovery than standard surgery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with convexity chronic subdural hematoma who are moderately symptomatic and are candidates for either embolization or conventional surgery.
Not a fit: People with severe, rapidly worsening symptoms who need immediate surgery, non-convexity hematomas, or medical issues that make embolization unsafe may not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, embolization could reduce the need for repeat brain surgery and lower rates of serious complications after chronic subdural hematoma.
How similar studies have performed: Early non-randomized reports suggest embolization can reduce the need for repeat surgery, but randomized Phase III evidence has been lacking.
Where this research is happening
Galveston, United States
- 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
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 below.