Surgical Evacuation Of Hematoma Research Articles

Middle meningeal artery embolization following surgical evacuation of symptomatic chronic subdural hematoma improves outcomes, interim results of a prospective randomized trial

BackgroundOutcomes after surgical treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) remain undesirable in a significant proportion of patients. We aimed to show the role of middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization and to demonstrate its benefits. MethodsThirty-five patients with symptomatic cSDH were enrolled in a prospective randomized trial following evacuation surgery. Participants were randomized to embolization or control group (expectant management following surgical evacuation without embolization). Patients were followed throughout their hospitalization and outpatient follow-ups. The main goals of this planned interim analysis were to assess neurological outcome and resource utilization. ResultsThe groups were comparable in terms of sex, age and follow-up retention rates. Side(s) of intervention(s) and hematoma size were similar. There was no statistical difference in neurological examination improvement at discharge, but at follow-up, we observed a decline in neurologic exam in the control group (p = 0.03). Control group participants required more re-interventions (p = 0.02) and were followed in clinic and during related readmissions for longer (p = 0.02). The number of imaging studies obtained in relation to the disease management was higher in the control group (p = 0.01). ConclusionsOur results suggest a beneficial role for the addition of MMA embolization to surgical intervention in the treatment of symptomatic chronic subdural hematoma. Neurological outcomes were significantly better in the embolization group. This contributed to less need for follow-up, re-interventions, and imaging studies.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcome of Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background: Stroke is the second leading cause of death and disability globally. Intracerebral hemorrhage represents a prominent subtype comprising 10-20% of all strokes and posing substantial challenges, particularly in low-income countries. This study aims to unravel the clinical profile and outcomes of spontaneous ICH patients at our institute. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective observational study conducted at the department of Neurosurgery Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar, Nepal over a period of one and half years. Results: In the Present study, a total of 285 populations were studied, where there was male preponderance with the mean age of 57.9 years. Commonest clinical manifestation was sudden onset headache (75.1%) followed by decreased level of consciousness. Hypertension was the commonest cause of ICH. Basal ganglia were the primary location of bleed. The statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in the mean clot volume between survivors and non-survivors. There was a strong association between ventricular extension of hematoma and outcome. Surgical hematoma evacuation was performed in 30.9% of cases. Favorable outcomes, defined by a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-3, were achieved in 58.9% of participants. Conclusion: Age, sudden onset headache, and hypertension predict mortality in primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), particularly with advanced age linked to poorer outcomes. A Glasgow Coma Score less than eight increases mortality risk, while clot volume and intraventricular extension play crucial roles in ICH outcome.

Clinical outcome after surgical management of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma

PurposeSpontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is a rare pathology characterized by a hemorrhage in the spinal epidural space without prior surgical or interventional procedure. Recent literature reported contradictory findings regarding the clinical, radiological and surgical factors determining the outcome, hence the objective of this retrospective analysis was to re-assess these outcome-determining factors.MethodsPatients surgically treated for SSEH at our institution from 2010 – 2022 were screened and retrospectively assessed regarding management including the time-to-treatment, the pre-and post-treatment clinical status, the radiological findings as well as other patient-specific parameters. The outcome was assessed using the modified McCormick Scale. Statistical analyses included binary logistic regression and Fisher’s exact test.ResultsIn total, 26 patients (17 men [65%], 9 women [35%], median age 70 years [interquartile range 26.5]) were included for analysis. The SSEHs were located cervically in 31%, cervicothoracically in 42% and thoracically in 27%. Twenty-four patients (92%) improved after surgery. Fifteen patients (58%) had a postoperative modified McCormick Scale grade of I (no residual symptoms) and 8 patients (31%) had a grade of II (mild symptoms). Only 3 (12%) patients remained with a modified McCormick Scale grade of IV or V (severe motor deficits / paraplegic). Neither time-to-treatment, craniocaudal hematoma expansion, axial hematoma occupation of the spinal canal, anticoagulation or antiplatelet drugs, nor the preoperative clinical status were significantly associated with the patients’ outcomes.ConclusionEarly surgical evacuation of SSEH generally leads to favorable clinical outcomes. Surgical hematoma evacuation should be indicated in all patients with symptomatic SSEH.

Optimal drainage time after evacuation of chronic subdural haematoma (DRAIN TIME 2): a multicentre, randomised, multiarm and multistage non-inferiority trial in Denmark

Postoperative drainage after surgical evacuation of chronic subdural haematoma reduces the risk of recurrence, but the optimum drainage time is uncertain. We aimed to investigate the shortest possible drainage time without increasing the haematoma recurrence rate. We conducted a randomised, multi-arm and multistage non-inferiority trial at four neurosurgical centres in Denmark. We enrolled adult patients (aged ≥18 years) with symptomatic chronic subdural haematoma. All patients were treated according to the national standard practice with a burr hole above the maximum width of the haematoma. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio via a centralised web server to receive 6 h, 12 h, or 24 h of postoperative passive subdural drainage. Randomisation was done by an independent on-call neurosurgeon and was masked until 6 h after surgery. The primary outcome was symptomatic haematoma recurrence at 3 months after surgery; the rate of recurrence was assessed in a regression model for non-inferiority testing, with no missing data. Personnel assessing the primary outcome were masked to group allocation. Non-inferiority was assessed with a prespecified margin of 7%, in a modified intention-to-treat population-defined as patients with randomly assigned treatment excluding those withdrawing from study participation after randomisation, or experiencing acute rebleedings or accidental drain removal. This trial is registered with ISRCTN (number 15186366); the trial was stopped after the first interim analysis on the advice of an independent safety advisory committee. Between March 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, 347 patients were enrolled and 331 were followed up to 3 months, 105 were assigned to 6 h of drainage, 111 to 12 h of drainage, and 115 to 24 h of drainage. At admission, 83 (25%) participants were women and 248 (75%) were men, mean age was 75·7 years (SD 10·5), median modified Rankin Scale score was 4 (IQR 3-5), and median Glasgow Coma Scale score was 15 (IQR 14-15). At 3 months after surgery, haematoma recurrence was reported in 28 (27%) of 105 patients who were assigned to 6 h drainage (predicted haematoma recurrence rate 27·0%, 95% CI 18·5 to 35·4), 22 (20%) of 111 assigned to 12 h drainage (19·5%, 12·0 to 27·0), and 12 (10%) of 115 assigned to 24 h drainage (10·4%, 4·8 to 16·0). The risk of haematoma recurrence was increased by 16·5 percentage points (95% CI 6·5 to 26·6) in patients drained for 6 h compared with 24 h, and by 9·1 percentage points (-0·4 to 18·5) in patients drained for 12 h compared with 24 h. Therefore, non-inferiority of 6 h and 12 h of drainage to 24 h of drainage was not established. 20 patients had died by 3 months, seven in the 6 h group, eight in the 12 h group, and five in the 24 h group. The most frequent known causes of death were haematoma recurrence (three in 12 h group), comorbidity (three in 12 h group), and pneumonia (one each in 6 h and 12 h groups, two in 24 h group). The most frequent complication was postoperative infection, reported in 20 (20%) patients in the 6 h group, 25 (23%) in the 12 h group, and 19 (17%) in the 24 h group. The most common infection source was the urinary tract. Patients surgically treated for symptomatic chronic subdural haematoma and postoperatively drained for 6 h or 12 h had higher rates of haematoma recurrence than did patients drained for 24 h. The findings from this non-inferiority trial provide evidence to support 24 h of postoperative drainage as the standard drain time when a fixed drain time approach is used. To provide solid evidence of generalisability of the results to countries other than Denmark, a multinational randomised controlled trial will be needed. None.

Identifying Predictors of Initial Surgical Failure during Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Intracerebral Hemorrhage Evacuation.

Background and Purpose: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a common and severe disease with high rates of morbidity and mortality; however, minimally invasive surgical (MIS) hematoma evacuation represents a promising avenue for treatment. In February of 2019, the MISTIE III study found that stereotactic thrombolysis with catheter drainage did not benefit patients with supratentorial spontaneous ICH but that a clinical benefit may be present when no more than 15 mL of hematoma remains at the end of treatment. Intraoperative CT (iCT) imaging has the ability to assess whether or not this surgical goal has been met in real time, allowing for operations to add additional CT-informed 'evacuation periods' (EPs) to achieve the surgical goal. Here, we report on the frequency and predictors of initial surgical failure on at least one iCT requiring additional EPs in a large cohort of patients undergoing endoscopic minimally invasive ICH evacuation with the SCUBA technique. Methods: All patients who underwent minimally invasive endoscopic evacuation of supratentorial spontaneous ICH in a major health system between December 2015 and October 2018 were included in this study. Patient demographics, clinical and radiographic features, procedural details, and outcomes were analyzed retrospectively from a prospectively collected database. Procedures were characterized as initially successful when the first iCT demonstrated that surgical success had been achieved and initially unsuccessful when the surgical goal was not achieved, and additional EPs were performed. The surgical goal was prospectively identified in December of 2015 as leaving no more than 20% of the preoperative hematoma volume at the end of the procedure. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of initial failure and secondary rescue. Results: Patients (100) underwent minimally invasive endoscopic ICH evacuation in the angiography suite during the study time period. In 14 cases, the surgical goal was not met on the first iCT and multiple Eps were performed; in 10 cases the surgical goal was not met, and no additional EPs were performed. In 14 cases, the surgical goal was never achieved. When additional EPs were performed, a rescue rate of 71.4% (10/14) was seen, bringing the total percentage of cases meeting the surgical goal to 86% across the entire cohort. Cases in which the surgical goal was not achieved were significantly associated with older patients (68 years vs. 60 years; p = 0.0197) and higher rates of intraventricular hemorrhage (34.2% vs. 70.8%; p = 0.0021). Cases in which the surgical goal was rescued from initial failure had similar levels of IVH, suggesting that these additional complexities can be overcome with the use of additional iCT-informed EPs. Conclusions: Initial and ultimate surgical failure occurs in a small percentage of patients undergoing minimally invasive endoscopic ICH evacuation. The use of intraoperative imaging provides an opportunity to evaluate whether or not the surgical goal has been achieved, and to continue the procedure if the surgeon feels that more evacuation is achievable. Now that level-one evidence exists to target a surgical evacuation goal during minimally invasive ICH evacuation, intraoperative imaging, such as iCT, plays an important role in aiding the surgical team to achieve the surgical goal.

Supra- and Infratentorial Extradural Hematoma: A Series of Three Cases with Literature Review

AbstractThe extradural hematoma (EDH) of the posterior fossa is a rare clinical condition in head injury cases. The posterior fossa extradural hematoma (PFEDH) contributes to not more than 4 to 8% of all the EDH encountered in traumatic brain injury. The limited volume of the posterior fossa leads to early clinical deterioration and, if not subjected to timely intervention, may be fatal. This rapid deterioration is because of significant compression over the brainstem and cervicomedullary junction as well as obstructive hydrocephalus. The PFEDHs are often associated with fracture of the occipital bone, which may lead to the extension of hematoma in the supratentorial and infratentorial spaces. The traumatic supra- and infratentorial EDH (TSIEDH) constitutes less than 2% of all the EDH. Limited literature is available regarding TSIEDH, and the majority are in the form of isolated case reports. We share our experience of three cases over the last 5 years from a tertiary care referral institute with a literature review of TSIEDH. Two of these cases were managed nonoperatively, and one underwent surgical evacuation of hematoma. In the present study, we share our experience regarding prompt diagnosis and management of this particular subset of traumatic brain injury patients. We also describe the surgical technique for evacuation of TSIEDH. Early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention can be life-saving as these hematomas may have a benign clinical presentation but rapid clinical deterioration.

Clinical impact of craniectomy on shunt-dependent hydrocephalus after intracerebral hemorrhage: A propensity score-matched analysis.

A consensus on decompressive craniectomy for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has not yet been established. We aimed to investigate the development of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus based on the method of ICH surgery, with a focus on craniectomy. We retrospectively enrolled 458 patients with supratentorial ICH who underwent surgical hematoma evacuation between April 2005 and December 2021 at two independent stroke centers. Multivariate analyses were performed to characterize risk factors for postoperative shunt-dependent hydrocephalus. Propensity score matching (1:2) was undertaken to compensate for group-wise imbalances based on probable factors that were suspected to affect the development of hydrocephalus, and the clinical impact of craniectomy on shunt-dependent hydrocephalus was evaluated by the matched analysis. Overall, 43 of the 458 participants (9.4%) underwent shunt procedures as part of the management of hydrocephalus after ICH. Multivariate analysis revealed that intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and craniectomy were associated with shunt-dependent hydrocephalus after surgery for ICH. After propensity score matching, there were no statistically significant intergroup differences in participant age, sex, hypertension status, diabetes mellitus status, lesion location, ICH volume, IVH occurrence, or IVH severity. The craniectomy group had a significantly higher incidence of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus than the non-craniectomy group (28.9% vs. 4.3%,p < 0.001; OR 9.1, 95% CI 3.7-22.7), craniotomy group (23.2% vs. 4.3%,p < 0.001; OR 6.6, 95% CI 2.5-17.1), and catheterization group (20.0% vs. 4.0%,p = 0.012; OR 6.0, 95% CI 1.7-21.3). Decompressive craniectomy seems to increase shunt-dependent hydrocephalus among patients undergoing surgical ICH evacuation. The decision to perform a craniectomy for patients with ICH should be carefully individualized while considering the risk of hydrocephalus.

Prognostic Factors and Treatment Efficacy in Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma: A Single Center Experience and Literature Review.

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is a rare but serious condition, accounting for less than 1% of spinal lesions, with an incidence of 0.1 per 100,000 annually. Discovered by Jackson in 1869, around 40-50% of SSEH cases often lack a definitive cause, though risk factors, such as anticoagulant usage, vascular malformations, and hypertension are recognized. Symptoms vary from mild pain to severe neurological impairments like paraparesis, depending on the spinal cord compression level. Prompt treatment, usually involving spinal decompression and hematoma removal, is crucial, especially in cases of neurological decline. The study aims to provide comprehensive analysis of SSEH through examination of by patient cases, critical prognostic factors, and therapeutic strategies, based on demographics, clinical data, and outcomes observed at the Tri-Service General Hospital. This retrospective study, spanning 2003-2023 at the Tri-Service General Hospital, analyzed 14 patients with SSEH. It examined demographics, risk factors, clinical and radiological profiles, treatments, outcomes, and prognoses, using SPSS software (version 22.0) and adhering to the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale guidelines for data analysis. In this study of 14 patients with SSEH, 93% underwent urgent surgery, including total laminectomy or open-door laminoplasty, while 7% received conservative treatment. Post-surgery, 69.2% showed favorable outcomes (mRS ≤2) in the one-year follow-up, while 30.8% had poorer results (mRS 3-4). A significant negative correlation was noted between initial ASIA scores and one-year mRS outcomes, suggesting less initial impairment predicts better recovery. These findings indicated that a moderate positive correlation between treatment delay and one-year mRS scores. Nevertheless, factors, such as age, antiplatelet use, spinal levels with hematoma localization, and myelopathy signs observed before treatment did not demonstrate any significant effects on neurological outcomes during the one-year follow-up. Patients with minor initial deficits or those receiving early surgery, preferably within 12-36 h of symptom onset, exhibit better neurological recovery. Poor prognosis correlates with high International Normalized Ratio (INR) on anticoagulants, hematoma size, lumbar involvement, or severe motor issues. Rapid surgical hematoma evacuation is advised. Our study supports recovery of neurological function following surgical intervention in all cases, highlighting the potential efficacy of surgical decompression even in severe and prolonged instances of SSEH.

Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization versus Surgery in Patients with Chronic Subdural Hematoma-No More Fence Sitting?

Endovascular treatment of patients with chronic subdural hematoma using middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization could become an alternative to surgical hematoma evacuation. The aim of the study was to compare methods and identify parameters to help determine the correct treatment modality. We retrospectively reviewed 142 cases conducted internally; 78 were treated surgically and 64 were treated using MMA embolization. We analyzed the treatment failure rate and complications, and using a binary logistic regression model, we identified treatment failure risk factors. We found a comparable treatment failure rate of 23.1% for the surgery group and 21.9% for the MMA embolization group. However, in the MMA embolization group, 11 cases showed treatment failure due to early neurological worsening with a need for concomitant surgery. We also found a recurrence of hematoma in 15.4% of cases in the surgery group and 6.3% of cases in the MMA embolization group. Both modalities have their advantages; however, correct identification is crucial for treatment success. According to our findings, hematomas with a maximal width of <18 mm, a midline shift of <5 mm, and no acute or subacute (hyperdense) hematoma could be treated with MMA embolization. Hematomas with a maximal width of >18 mm, a midline shift of >5 mm, and no membranous segmentation could have better outcomes after surgical treatment.

Bilateral posterior fossa chronic subdural hematoma as a cause of hydrocephalus

Background: Infratentorial chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is still a rather elusive neurosurgical entity, which, due to its proximity and likely compression of the cerebellum and brainstem, can lead to devastating consequences. To establish standardized treatment, more studies and reports regarding its therapy are needed. We report a case of a simultaneous unilateral supratentorial and bilateral infratentorial cSDH, with the latter causing hydrocephalus and successfully treated with a bilateral burr-hole trepanation of occipital bone and placement of subdural drains. Case Description: A 71-year-old man with gait disturbance, Glasgow Coma Scale 12, and a radiologically verified unilateral supratentorial and bilateral cSDH of the posterior fossa causing cerebellum, brainstem, and fourth ventricle compression with obstructive hydrocephalus, underwent surgical evacuation of infratentorial hematoma with a bilateral burr-hole trepanation. The postoperative course was uneventful, with a control head computed tomography scan showing the resolution of the hematoma and hydrocephalus. The patient was discharged with no newly acquired neurological deficits. Conclusion: Due to a limited number of reports and studies involving infratentorial cSDHs causing hydrocephalus, decision-making and optimal surgical treatment remain unclear. We recommend a timely surgical evacuation of the hematoma if the patient is symptomatic while avoiding placement of external ventricular drainage.

Letter to the Editor Regarding “Contralateral Subdural Hematoma Following Surgical Evacuation of Acute Subdural Hematoma: Super-Early Intervention and Clinical Implications”

Letter to the Editor Regarding “Contralateral Subdural Hematoma Following Surgical Evacuation of Acute Subdural Hematoma: Super-Early Intervention and Clinical Implications”

How Often Do Patients Need Retreatment After Surgery for Subdural Hematoma? A Nationwide Readmission Database Analysis

Background The incidence of subdural hematoma is increasing as the average age in the United States rises, with reported high recurrence and reoperation rates. We therefore aimed to have a better understanding of retreatment following surgical evacuation of subdural hematoma in real‐world practice. Methods Data were extracted from the latest available Nationwide Readmissions Database (2016–2019). Adult patients diagnosed with subdural hematoma who had burr‐hole or craniotomy were included in the study. Results Retreatment rates were relatively low in both cohorts, with patients in the burr‐hole cohort having a slightly higher rate of retreatment compared with the craniotomy cohort (8.4% versus 6.6%, P &lt;0.001). The majority (&gt;95%) of retreatments occurred within 90 days of initial treatment, and further follow‐up did not demonstrably increase retreatment on Kaplan–Meier analysis. Retreatment rates remained consistent during the 4‐year study period in both burr‐hole (7.2%–10.4%), and craniotomy cohorts (6.4%–6.8%). Conclusions Analysis of a large national database of unselected patients shows retreatment rates after surgery for subdural hematoma are lower than suggested by prior studies. Almost all retreatments occur within 90 days after initial treatment, which may have implications for length of follow‐up for such patients.

Indications for surgical evacuation of cerebellar intracerebral hemorrhage: consensus guidelines from the French Society of Neurosurgery (SFNC) and the French Society of Vascular Neurology (SFNV)

BackgroundCerebellar intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with poor functional prognosis and high mortality. Surgical evacuation has been proposed to improve outcome. The purpose of this review was to determine the benefit of surgical evacuation of cerebellar ICH and to establish guidelines for when it should be performed. MethodThe writing committee comprised 9 members of the SFNV and the SFNC. Recommendations were established based on a literature review using the PICO questions. The American Heart Association (AHA) classification was used to define recommendation level. In case of insufficient evidence, expert opinions were provided. ResultsLevels of evidence were low to moderate, precluding definitive recommendations. Based on available data, surgical hematoma evacuation is not recommended to improve functional outcome (Class III; Level B NR). However, based on subgroup analysis, surgical evacuation may be considered in strictly selected patients (Class IIb; Level C-EO): hematoma volume 15−25 cm3, GCS 6-10, and no oral anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy. Moreover, surgical evacuation is recommended to decrease risk of death (Class IIa; Level B NR) in patients with a hematoma volume >15 cm3 and GCS score <10. ConclusionThese guidelines were based on observational studies, limiting the level of evidence. However, except for strictly selected patients, surgical evacuation of cerebellar ICH was not associated with improved functional outcome, limiting indications. Data from RCTs are needed in this field.

Class A ventral spinal epidural hematoma as a rare complication of hypertensive crisis

Spinal epidural hematoma is a rare but severe medical condition that can cause neurological deficits and disability. In this case report, a 53-year-old man with poorly controlled hypertension and end-stage renal disease presented with hypertensive crisis and a one-week history of symptoms including back pain, abdominal pain, and pain radiating down his legs. Despite aggressive blood pressure control, the patient was found to have a 21mm ventral epidural hematoma at T10 causing thoracic cord compression and paraplegia. The patient underwent surgical hematoma evacuation but remained paraplegic with minimal motor and sensory recovery. Spinal epidural hematoma as a complication of hypertensive crisis is rare. Clinicians should be aware of the potential development of spinal epidural hematoma in patients with hypertensive crisis, even in cases with no obvious risk factors. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing permanent neurological damage and improving patient outcomes. Further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms and risk factors for spinal epidural hematoma in patients with hypertensive crisis.

Outcomes After the Surgical Evacuation of Traumatic Acute Subdural Hematomas: The tASDH Risk Score

Acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) is a common pathology following traumatic brain injury (TBI). There is sparse data on the prediction of clinical outcomes following traumatic ASDH (tASDH) evacuation. We investigated prognosticators of outcome following evacuation of tASDHs, with subset analysis in a cohort of octogenarians. We developed a scoring system for stratifying the risk of in-hospital mortality for patients undergoing tASDH evacuation. A retrospective chart review was performed to identify all patients who underwent tASDH evacuation. Baseline clinical and demographic data including age, traumatic brain injury mechanism, admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and Rotterdam computed tomography Scale (RCS) were collected. In-hospital outcomes such as mortality and discharge disposition were collected. A scoring system (tASDH Score) which incorporates RCS (1-2 points), admissions GCS (0-1 points), and age (0-1 point) was created to predict the risk of in-hospital mortality following tASDH evacuation. Being an octogenarian (OR=6.91 [2.20-21.71], P= 0.0009), having a GCS of 9-12 (OR=1.58 [1.32-4.12], P= 0.027) or 3-8 (OR=2.07 [1.41-10.38], P= 0.018), and having an RCS of 4-6 (OR=3.49 [1.45-8.44], P= 0.0055) were independently predictive of in-hospital mortality. The in-hospital mortality rate was lower for those with a tASDH score of 1 (10%), compared to those with a score of 2 (12%), 3 (42%), and 4 (100%). Octogenarians with an RCS of 4-6 and an admission GCS <13 have a high risk of mortality following tASDH evacuation. Knowledge of which patients are unlikely to survive ASDH evacuation may help guide neurosurgeons in prognostication and goals of care discussions.

Middle meningeal artery embolization in the management of chronic subdural hematoma in medically complex pediatric neurosurgical patients: technical note.

Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization has gained acceptance as a treatment for chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) in adult patients but has not been well described in pediatric patients. Standard cSDH treatment has historically consisted of burr hole drainage with or without subdural drain placement. However, due to the high rate of recurrence and frequency of comorbidities within this population, as both pediatric and adult patients with cSDH frequently have concurrent cardiac disease and a need for anticoagulant therapies, MMA embolization has increasingly demonstrated its value as both an adjunctive and primary treatment. In this report, the authors present 3 cases of successful MMA embolization in medically complex children at a single institution. MMA embolization was used as a primary treatment modality and as an adjunctive therapy in the acute setting following surgical hematoma evacuation. Two patients were receiving anticoagulation treatment requiring reversal. Technical considerations specific to the pediatric population as well as those common to both the pediatric and adult populations are addressed. Further work is needed to define the optimal indications and outcomes for MMA embolization in children with cSDH.

Massive Hemorrhage and Mortality Following Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) provides a relatively safe and noninvasive option for treating benign thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer that is cosmetically superior to surgery. Following a loss of consciousness 1 h after thyroid RFA, a 56-year-old patient was transferred to the emergency room. Despite undergoing coronary angiography due to 3 cardiac arrests, the results were normal. Although brain, chest, and abdominal computed tomography scans were performed, the emergency physician failed to detect any hematoma formation. Despite the use of mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, the patient exhibited persistent hypoventilation. It was later discovered that an aggravated massive hemorrhage had occurred, due to which inferior thyroid artery embolization and surgical hematoma evacuation were performed. Unfortunately, prolonged brain hypoperfusion resulting from airway compromise and common carotid artery occlusion resulted in brain death and, ultimately, the patient's demise. In conclusion, massive hemorrhages caused by RFA require immediate diagnosis and hemostasis.

Tension pneumocephalus as a complication of surgical evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma: case report and literature review.

The management of symptomatic chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is surgical evacuation and prognosis in most cases is good. Tension pneumocephalus is the presence of air under pressure in the intracranial cavity. A case of tension pneumocephalus developing as a complication of burr hole evacuation of CSDH is illustrated. In this case, tension pneumocephalus was managed by reopening the wound and saline irrigation with a subdural drain placement. Considering this case report and after a careful review of the literature, the physiopathology, diagnosis, and treatment of this complication are highlighted in the article.

Delayed Traumatic Intracerebral Hematoma: A Pathophysiological Classification and Literature Review.

Delayed traumatic intracerebral hematoma (DTICH) is a relatively common occurrence after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Several case series have been performed to study DTICH, many of which offer different definitions of DTICH. Some definitions involve a delayed progression of an existing hemorrhage, and others involve a de novo intracerebral hematoma that was not evident on the initial trauma evaluation. We propose a classification system for DTICH that accounts for the subtleties in the clinical manifestation and pathophysiology of the different types of DTICH, with the ultimate goal of providing strategies to prevent and manage DTICH. Based on the senior author's clinical experience, we generated a classification system for DTICH, and each type of DTICH was illustrated with a case. We defined type 1A (case 1A), the classic presentation of DTICH as predominantly characterized in the literature, as an intracerebral hematoma unseen on initial computed tomography imaging that typically develops five days to one week following blunt or penetrating head trauma. We defined type 1B (case 1B) as a hematoma that forms after at least one week following trauma in areas of the brain initially hemorrhage-free. We defined type 2 (case 2) as a hematoma that develops rapidly following a surgical evacuation of a different hematoma. We defined type 3 (case 3) as a hematoma that develops after a traumatic head injury in areas of non-hemorrhagic contusion, usually frontal or temporal. A literature review was performed using select terms on PubMed to find articles related to DTICH, excluding articles describing DTICH from an underlying vascular injury. After performing the literature review and screening articles by title and/or abstract, a total of 79 articles were found to meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria. We recorded which type of DTICH from our classification system best correlated with the articles in our literature review. Taken together with results from the literature, the proposed classification system is based on the senior author's clinical experience. Overall, DTICH is a relatively common occurrence after head trauma, and our pathophysiologic classification has the potential to help outline future studies to recognize and prevent the development of DTICH.

CARC8: Right versus Left Axillary Artery Access in Impella 5.5 Insertion

Background: The Impella 5.5® is commonly inserted via the axillary artery (AX) in patients with cardiogenic shock. Insertion of Impella through the left AX requires crossing the aortic arch, and possibly a divergent angle of insertion through the aortic valve. However, there is limited data on comparison of choice of laterality of access, both in terms of technicality of the procedure as well as outcomes on device support. Methods: We performed a single-center retrospective cohort analysis of patients who underwent Impella 5.5® implantation between December 2020 and November 2022 (N=28). Data including demographics and outcomes were stratified by laterality of AX access. Adverse events included stroke, ipsilateral upper extremity ischemia, bleeding related to vascular access, infection related to Impella use, and unplanned explant due to complications. Delivery time was defined as time from advancing the first wire to activation of the device. Results: Twenty patients had insertion via the right axillary artery and 8 patients had access through the left side. Average duration of support was comparable (right, 9.8 + 5.3 vs. left, 10.2 + 6.6 days, p=0.83). The median delivery time was lower through right side compared to left sided access (7.9 + 3.6 vs. 12.4 + 6.9 minutes, p=0.048). Overall survival to discharge was 64.3%, with a 21.4% mortality while on support, but there was no difference between groups. Explant rate was similar in both groups (right, 80% vs. left, 75%, p=0.77). Overall adverse event rate was 3.5%, with surgical evacuation of implantation site hematoma in 1 patient with left sided access. There was no difference between the rates of suction events, hemolysis, repositioning or removal required when comparing right versus left. Neither group had patients with stroke, arm ischemia, or infection. Conclusion: Overall, Impella 5.5 support via the AX demonstrated favorable outcomes regarding a low incidence of adverse events and stable support with a high explant rate. In our study, the choice of laterality of AX access for Impella insertion did not affect outcomes, with a similar safety profile. Access through the right AX may be preferable due to shorter delivery time in the absence of contraindications.