Rapid Detection and Initial Treatment of Life-Threatening Subdural Hematoma in a Sheep Model

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death and disability in people under 40 worldwide. There is an unmet need for detection and treatment of life-threatening TBI when computed tomography (CT) scanners and neurosurgeons are unavailable. We developed a new handheld frequency-domain multidetector infrared hemorrhage detection device. Using the new device, military pre-hospital medics required <4 minutes to detect life-threatening subdural hematoma in a sheep model. We developed a second device that allows non-neurosurgeons to safely create a burr hole and partially remove clotted subdural blood. In sheep, the treatment device reduced intracranial pressure within 20 minutes, and improved post-anesthesia blinded neurological outcomes. With human use adaptation, these devices could allow rapid detection and initial treatment of some life-threatening TBIs in challenging situations.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)
Published
2026-11-04
DOI
https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.11.03.763711
Primary Topic
Traumatic Brain Injury and Neurovascular Disturbances
Type
preprint
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
preprint

Rapid Detection and Initial Treatment of Life-Threatening Subdural Hematoma in a Sheep Model

Michael J. Fitch, Bradley A. Dengler, Nicole Steiner, Jeremiah J. Wathen et al.
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)
Traumatic Brain Injury and Neurovascular Disturbances
preprint

Rapid Detection and Initial Treatment of Life-Threatening Subdural Hematoma in a Sheep Model

Michael J. Fitch, Bradley A. Dengler, Nicole Steiner, Jeremiah J. Wathen, David Drewry, Carissa L. Rodriguez, Adolph J. Januszkiewicz, David L. Brody, Graham L. C. Spicer, Kathleen M. Perrino, Taylor Knapp, Timothy Sleasman, Adam B. Cohen, David W. Blodgett, Joe Mark, Kevin C. Wolfe, Austin P Vieth, Brian Kohler, Ian S McAdams, Nathanial Goonasekeram, Joseph P Angelo
preprint en

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death and disability in people under 40 worldwide. There is an unmet need for detection and treatment of life-threatening TBI when computed tomography (CT) scanners and neurosurgeons are unavailable. We developed a new handheld frequency-domain multidetector infrared hemorrhage detection device. Using the new device, military pre-hospital medics required <4 minutes to detect life-threatening subdural hematoma in a sheep model. We developed a second device that allows non-neurosurgeons to safely create a burr hole and partially remove clotted subdural blood. In sheep, the treatment device reduced intracranial pressure within 20 minutes, and improved post-anesthesia blinded neurological outcomes. With human use adaptation, these devices could allow rapid detection and initial treatment of some life-threatening TBIs in challenging situations.

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)
Henry M. Jackson Foundation (US), Johns Hopkins University (US), Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (US), Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (US), NICO (United States) (US)
Traumatic Brain Injury and Neurovascular Disturbances
DOIOpen Access PDFOpenAlex
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Laika access coming soon