Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 110

Comparing lumbar and extraventricular drains to prevent complications after brain hemorrhage

Official title: Lumbar Drainage Compared With Extraventricular Drainage of Cerebral Spinal Fluid in Treatment of Patients With Subarachnoid Hemorrhage - a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Run by University of California, San Diego · NCT03065231 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether using a lumbar drain or an extraventricular drain helps prevent complications in patients who have had a brain hemorrhage.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 110 Years
SexAll
Enrollment100 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of California, San Diego
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (San Diego, California)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 1, 2017
Main results expectedJanuary 4, 2027
Study endsJanuary 4, 2027
Registry record updatedMarch 4, 2025
Trial IDNCT03065231 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are patients with Fisher Grade II, III, or IV subarachnoid hemorrhage or those with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage showing signs of hydrocephalus.

Probably not a fit

Patients with obstructive hydrocephalus, mass lesions preventing lumbar drain placement, pregnant individuals, or minors under 18 will not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of two drainage methods, lumbar drain (LD) and extraventricular drain (EVD), in preventing vasospasm in patients who have experienced subarachnoid hemorrhage. Patients admitted to UCSD Hillcrest or Thornton Hospital will be randomly assigned to receive either LD or EVD as part of their treatment. The study will observe outcomes such as the incidence of clinical vasospasm, the amount of subarachnoid blood, length of ICU stay, and the need for permanent ventriculoperitoneal shunt. This prospective randomized controlled trial seeks to establish clearer guidelines for the optimal drainage method in these patients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment protocols that reduce the risk of vasospasm and enhance recovery for patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage.

How similar studies have gone: While previous studies have compared these drainage methods retrospectively, this prospective randomized approach is novel and aims to provide definitive evidence.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* patients received at the UCSD Medical Center with grade II, III, IV subarachnoid hemorrhage or patients with aneurysmal SAH with radiographic evidence.

Exclusion Criteria:

* patients under the age of 18, excluding minors from this study

Where it's running

  • UCSD Medical Center
    San Diego, California, United States
    Recruiting

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.