Retrospective Analysis of the Clinical Efficacy of Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization Combined With Burr-Hole Drainage in the Treatment of Chronic Subdural Hematoma

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization combined with burr-hole drainage in chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH), to establish an evidence base for clinical decision-making. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 82 CSDH patients who underwent surgical intervention at The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital) between July 2021 and June 2023. Patients were divided into 2 groups: the control group (burr-hole drainage alone, n=56) and the study group (MMA embolization combined with burr-hole drainage, n=26). Preoperative hematoma volume, age, sex, platelet count (PLT), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores (preoperative and postoperative), and postoperative hematoma clearance rates were compared between the 2 groups. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed in baseline characteristics (age, sex, PLT, PT, APTT), preoperative hematoma volume, or preoperative mRS scores between the 2 groups (all P >0.05). The study group demonstrated significantly better postoperative mRS scores (≤2 points) compared with the control group ( P <0.05). In addition, the study group exhibited superior hematoma clearance rates in both left-sided and right-sided CSDH ( P <0.05). Conclusion: MMA embolization combined with burr-hole drainage is a safe and effective approach for CSDH treatment, reducing hematoma recurrence and improving patient prognosis.