Template-Guided Burr-Hole Drainage With Middle Meningeal Artery Coagulation for Chronic Subdural Hematoma

Chronic subdural hematoma is a common neurosurgical disease, especially in older adults. Burr-hole drainage with closed-system drainage is widely used as standard surgical treatment. However, recurrence after surgery remains an important clinical problem and may require repeat invasive treatment.

The middle meningeal artery is believed to contribute to the blood supply of the outer membrane of chronic subdural hematoma. Interruption of middle meningeal artery flow may reduce repeated microbleeding and fluid exudation from the hematoma membrane. Endovascular middle meningeal artery embolization has shown promising results, but it requires angiographic equipment, interventional expertise, embolic materials, and additional cost.

This study evaluates a surgical strategy that combines patient-specific 3D-printed template guidance with burr-hole drainage and intraoperative middle meningeal artery coagulation. Preoperative thin-slice computed tomography images will be used to plan the burr-hole location and design a 3D-printed template. The template is intended to help surgeons locate a burr-hole site related to the expected course of the middle meningeal artery(frontal branch) while still allowing effective hematoma drainage.

Participants with symptomatic chronic subdural hematoma requiring burr-hole drainage will be randomly assigned to receive either standard burr-hole drainage or 3D-printed template-guided burr-hole drainage with attempted intraoperative middle meningeal artery coagulation when safely feasible.

The study will test whether this approach can reduce recurrence requiring repeat invasive treatment within 3 months after surgery. It will also assess clinical recovery, radiological changes, complications, resource use, and the feasibility and safety of template-guided localization and intraoperative artery coagulation.Patient safety will take priority over completion of the coagulation step. If the middle meningeal artery or a related branch cannot be clearly identified or safely coagulated during surgery, coagulation will not be performed, and standard hematoma drainage will be completed.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients diagnosed with chronic subdural hematoma based on clinical symptoms and cranial CT or MRI.
• Patients scheduled to undergo burr-hole drainage surgery.
• Age 18 years or older.
• Written informed consent obtained from the patient or legal representative. Exclusion Criteria
• Acute subdural hematoma or other intracranial lesions requiring different surgical management.
• Previous surgery for the same episode of chronic subdural hematoma.
• Severe coagulation disorder or other contraindications to surgery.
• Severe systemic disease making the patient unsuitable for participation.
• Refusal or inability to provide informed consent.