Stereotactic Aspiration of Brain Stem Hematoma

1. Research Background and Rationale Primary brainstem hemorrhage (PBSH) represents the most severe and life-threatening form of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. Due to its critical anatomical location involving vital centers, it is associated with high mortality (30-day mortality rates ranging from 47% to 80%) and extremely poor neurological outcomes. For a long time, the optimal treatment strategy for PBSH, particularly the value of surgical intervention, has been a subject of significant global controversy. Influential international guidelines, such as those from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA), still regard surgery for PBSH as a relative or absolute contraindication, primarily due to the lack of high-level evidence. Concurrently, with advancements in neuroimaging, neuronavigation, and minimally invasive surgical techniques, several medical centers in China have progressively explored surgical interventions for PBSH, including stereotactic aspiration and neuroendoscopic evacuation, accumulating considerable clinical experience. The 2022 Chinese Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Brainstem Hemorrhage suggests that surgical treatment can be considered for specific patients, such as those with hematoma volume ≥5 ml and a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score ≤7, following thorough assessment. However, the consensus is largely based on retrospective analyses or small case series, providing limited evidence that falls short of guiding widespread clinical practice. The core dilemma in current clinical decision-making lies in the disconnect between theory and practice. Theoretically, early hematoma evacuation may relieve compression on brainstem structures and facilitate neurological recovery. In practice, however, the risks inherent to surgery, heterogeneity in patient selection, variations in surgical timing and technique, and other factors leave it unclear whether surgical intervention offers a net clinical benefit. Therefore, conducting a rigorously designed and properly executed multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) to compare the impact of stereotactic minimally invasive aspiration versus standard medical conservative treatment on patient outcomes is of urgent and paramount importance. Such a study is essential to fill the existing evidence gap and establish a scientific treatment protocol.
2. Research Objectives and Core Content 2.1 Research Objective The primary objective of this study is to systematically compare the efficacy and safety of stereotactic brainstem hematoma aspiration versus conservative treatment alone in eligible patients with PBSH through a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial. The focus is on evaluating the difference in the rate of death and disability (using the Modified Rankin Scale [MRS] score as the core metric) at 3 months post-treatment. The aim is to provide high-quality, generalizable evidence-based medical data to inform clinical decision-making for brainstem hemorrhage. 2.2 Research Content This study focuses on the most challenging patient population in clinical practice: those with moderate-to-severe primary PBSH. By randomly assigning patients who meet strict inclusion and exclusion criteria to either the surgical intervention group (stereotactic aspiration) or the medical treatment group (standard conservative therapy), the study will objectively evaluate, within a unified and standardized treatment and follow-up framework:
3. Whether surgical intervention can significantly improve patients' neurological functional outcomes (primary endpoint).
4. Differences between the two groups in the incidence of various complications (e.g., re-bleeding, infection, hydrocephalus), length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and total hospital length of stay (secondary endpoints).
5. The safety profile and spectrum of adverse events associated with surgical treatment.
6. Study Design and Methodological Highlights 3.1 Overall Design This is a multicenter, prospective, single-blind (with outcome assessors blinded), randomized controlled study. 3.2 Subject Selection Inclusion Criteria: Precisely targets a population likely to benefit from intervention with relatively controllable risks. Criteria include: ① Primary PBSH confirmed by CT/MRI, with hematoma volume >5 ml; ② Time from onset to hospital admission and diagnosis within 24 hours; ③ Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 4-8 (moderate to severe coma); ④ National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≥21 (severe neurological deficit); ⑤ Age between 18 and 65 years; ⑥ Presence of spontaneous respiration upon admission. Exclusion Criteria: Aims to exclude cases of non-hypertensive hemorrhage, patients at high surgical risk, and those unable to complete follow-up. Criteria include: Hemorrhage caused by vascular malformation, cavernoma, or tumor stroke; presence of severe comorbidities such as significant cardiac, hepatic, or renal insufficiency, or malignant tumors; recent history of antiplatelet or anticoagulant medication use; and any condition expected to prevent completion of the 3-month follow-up. 3.3 Randomization and Blinding Randomization: A central randomization system managed uniformly by the principal center (The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine) will be employed. Stratified randomization will be used, with age (18-45 years, 46-65 years) as the stratification factor to ensure baseline balance between the two groups. Participating centers will obtain treatment allocation results through this system upon patient enrollment. Blinding: A single-blind design will be implemented. The treating clinicians and the patients themselves will be aware of the group assignment (for ethical and practical reasons). However, the clinical research coordinators or assessors responsible for collecting data for the primary endpoint (MRS score) and some secondary endpoints will be blinded to group allocation to minimize assessment bias. 3.4 Interventions Stereotactic Aspiration Group: In addition to standard medical treatment, this group will undergo "robot-assisted stereotactic brainstem hematoma aspiration + hematoma cavity drainage." The protocol emphasizes the use of stereotactic guidance systems to ensure surgical precision and safety. Conservative Treatment Group: This group will receive comprehensive, standardized medical management. The protocol details a full set of management measures, including blood pressure control, respiratory support, sedation and analgesia, hemostasis, stress ulcer prophylaxis, infection prevention, and venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. 3.5 Endpoints Primary Endpoint: The Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) score at 3 months post-treatment. This internationally recognized scale is the core tool for assessing disability after stroke, scored from 0 to 6, with higher scores indicating greater disability or death. This study will analyze the distribution difference of MRS scores between the two groups. Secondary Endpoints: Encompass multiple dimensions of safety and healthcare resource utilization, including: ① Incidence of Complications: acute hydrocephalus, intracranial infection, pulmonary infection, re-bleeding; ② Hospitalization-related Metrics: length of ICU stay, total hospital length of stay; ③ Other physiological and laboratory parameters collected during hospitalization. 3.6 Sample Size Calculation Based on preliminary trial data or previous literature and statistical analysis, the total sample size has been determined to be 300 patients, with 150 patients in each group. 3.7 Study Flow and Follow-up
7. Screening and Enrollment: Participating centers will conduct urgent screening of potentially eligible patients. Eligible patients who provide informed consent will be enrolled via the central randomization system.
8. Treatment Phase: Patients will receive the assigned treatment according to the protocol and be closely monitored.
9. Follow-up Phase: Key follow-up time points are established, including at enrollment (Day 0), Day 3, 1 month post-discharge (Day 30), and the primary endpoint assessment at 3 months (Day 90). MRS scores and other data will be collected through outpatient reviews or structured telephone follow-ups.
10. Data Management and Quality Control
11. Data Collection: An Electronic Data Capture (EDC) system will be used with standardized Case Report Forms (CRFs).
12. Quality Assurance: A detailed Quality Control Plan (QCP) will be developed and implemented. This includes routine remote data verification, periodic on-site monitoring, and potential data audits. All participating centers are required to be tertiary Grade A hospitals with experience in performing at least 10 minimally invasive procedures for PBSH annually to ensure technical homogeneity.
13. Ethical and Safety Considerations
14. Ethical Review: The study protocol must be approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB)/Ethics Committee of each participating center and filed with the clinical trial institution.
15. Informed Consent: Written informed consent must be obtained from the patient or their legally authorized representative before any study-related procedures commence.
16. Safety Monitoring: A strict system for reporting Adverse Events (AEs) and Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) will be established. All SAEs must be reported to the principal center and the local ethics committee within 24 hours. The protocol specifically outlines risks unique to brainstem puncture surgery (e.g., tract hemorrhage, brainstem injury) and corresponding management plans.
17. Study Suspension/Termination Criteria: Clear criteria are defined for prematurely terminating the entire study due to safety concerns, administrative directives, or requests from ethics committees.
18. Research Team and Timeline
19. Sponsor and Lead Center: The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine.
20. Participating Centers: Dozens of leading neurosurgical centers across China, distributed in multiple regions, ensuring the study's representativeness and enrollment efficiency.
21. Expected Timeline: The total study duration is planned for 3 years, specifically divided into: Preparation and Start-up Phase (6 months), Patient Recruitment and Treatment Phase (18 months), Data Cleaning and Analysis Phase (6 months), and Manuscript Writing and Publication Phase (6 months).
22. Expected Impact and Significance

This study is an ambitious and rigorously designed pivotal clinical trial initiated by the Chinese neurosurgical community targeting the "surgical no-go zone" of brainstem hemorrhage. Its anticipated outcomes are expected to have a significant impact in the following areas:

1. Providing High-Level Evidence: Generating the first multicenter RCT evidence on the efficacy of minimally invasive surgery for PBSH, directly challenging or validating current international and domestic guideline recommendations.
2. Guiding Clinical Practice: Clarifying the value of stereotactic aspiration in specific subgroups of PBSH patients, providing neurosurgeons and neurocritical care physicians with clear decision-making guidance.
3. Improving Patient Outcomes: If the study confirms a surgical benefit, it holds the potential to significantly reduce mortality and disability rates in these critically ill patients, alleviating the burden on families and society.
4. Promoting Technical Standardization: The standardized treatment protocols, surgical workflows, and perioperative management norms developed during the study can be promoted nationwide, elevating the overall diagnostic and therapeutic standards for this disease.

In conclusion, the successful implementation and completion of this study have the potential to resolve the therapeutic dilemma surrounding brainstem hemorrhage, representing an exploration of substantial clinical value and scientific significance.