Rising tide of middle meningeal artery embolization for chronic subdural hematomas: current volumes and future growth compared with cerebral aneurysm and stroke interventions.

Summary: Chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH)—collections of blood on the brain's surface—are a frequent cause of hospital admission, especially among older adults. Historically, doctors have managed these by simply watching and waiting or performing open surgery. However, a minimally invasive technique called Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization (MMAE) is rapidly transforming care. In this procedure, doctors thread a catheter to the brain's lining to plug the artery fueling the bleed. A new analysis reveals that MMAE usage has exploded, growing by 51% annually since 2019. By 2029, experts predict MMAE will become the most common neurovascular procedure performed in the U.S., surpassing treatments for strokes and aneurysms. This shift promises a less invasive future for patients but suggests hospitals must urgently prepare for the increased demand.