RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Middle Meningeal Artery Coagulation During Burr-Hole Drainage for Chronic Subdural Haematoma (BURR-MMA)

Chronic subdural haematoma is a common condition in older people where blood collects outside the brain. Often, surgery is done to drain this blood. However, sometimes it comes back, meaning another operation is needed. Researchers have found that tiny blood vessels feed the lining around this blood collection, and blocking them might stop the problem from returning. This study is testing if surgeons can safely block these small blood vessels during the usual drainage operation. They will use the normal pre-surgery scans and special navigation tools. This research is mainly about checking if this extra step is safe and practical, rather than proving it works better yet. It will help plan future studies.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University College, London

Enrolment target

Start

01 Aug 2026

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2027

Chronic Subdural Hematomas

What is this study about?

Imagine your brain is protected by layers, and sometimes, after a knock to the head, even a minor one, old blood can slowly build up in one of these layers. This is called a chronic subdural haematoma. It's quite common, especially in older adults. The usual treatment is a simple operation where a small hole is made in the skull to drain the fluid.

The problem is, even after a successful operation, about 1 in 10 patients find the blood collection comes back, and they need another operation. Scientists have found that a thin 'skin' forms around this blood, and tiny blood vessels from something called the middle meningeal artery feed this skin. If these tiny vessels could be stopped, it might prevent the blood collection from returning.

This study aims to see if surgeons can safely and reliably stop these small blood vessels during the standard drainage operation. They will use the CT scans you would normally have before surgery and special navigation equipment already used in hospitals. This means no extra scans or radiation for you. The main goal is to find out if this extra step is safe and possible to do, which will help us design bigger studies in the future to see if it truly helps prevent recurrence.

Key takeaways

Looks at preventing chronic subdural haematoma from returning.
Involves a small extra step during standard surgery.
Uses existing scans and surgical tools.
Main aim is to check if it's safe and possible.
No extra radiation or tests for you.
Helps plan future, larger studies.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who are already scheduled to have surgery for a chronic subdural haematoma. Your surgeon will need to believe that adding this extra step during your operation is possible and safe for you.

You won't be able to join if you have a different type of blood clot that needs a bigger operation, or if you've already had a special procedure to block these blood vessels on the same side. We also can't include you if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, as routine CT scans involve some radiation exposure, or if you wouldn't be able to attend follow-up appointments 90 days after your surgery.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you scheduled for surgery for a chronic subdural haematoma?
Does your surgeon think this extra step is safe for you?
Are you able to attend follow-up appointments 90 days after surgery?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll have the standard operation for your chronic subdural haematoma. During this operation, the surgeon will try to perform the extra step of blocking the small blood vessels using the normal pre-surgery scans and navigation tools. This doesn't involve any extra holes or special equipment inserted into you that wouldn't normally be there.

Your recovery, how your drain is managed, and your follow-up care will be exactly the same as for any patient having this surgery, following standard NHS practice. You won't need any additional scans or tests for the study. We will check on you up to 90 days after your surgery, usually at your routine follow-up appointments.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefit of taking part is that the extra step during surgery might help reduce the chance of your blood collection returning, potentially saving you from needing another operation, though this study isn't designed to prove that yet. As this is a new technique, there's always a small chance of unforeseen risks, but the study is focused on safety and feasibility, meaning surgeons will only proceed if they believe it's safe for you. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a chronic subdural haematoma?

It's a collection of old blood that forms slowly outside the brain, usually after a minor head injury, especially in older people.

What is the usual treatment?

The usual treatment is an operation called burr-hole drainage, where a small hole is made to drain the blood.

What is new about this study?

Surgeons will try an extra small step during the standard operation to block tiny blood vessels that may cause the blood collection to return.

Will I have extra scans or radiation?

No, you will only have the usual scans you need for your standard care. The study doesn't involve any extra radiation.

Is this treatment proven to work?

Not yet. This study is mainly to see if the extra step is safe and practical to do. If it looks promising, bigger studies will follow to see how well it works.

How to find out more

Jigishaa Moudgil-Joshi, MRCS, MBChB

burrmmatrial@gmail.com 020 3456 7890 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.