Home / Health / Manitoba Research Halves Brain Bleed Recurrence
Manitoba Research Halves Brain Bleed Recurrence
25 Jun
Summary
- New treatment significantly reduces chronic brain bleeds recurrence.
- EMMA procedure lowers recurrence rates from 28% to 4%.
- This breakthrough improves patient care and reduces healthcare costs.

Research originating from Manitoba suggests a novel treatment for chronic brain bleeds can drastically decrease the chances of recurrence, leading to improved long-term health for patients. This development is actively reshaping current medical practices.
A team at the University of Manitoba and Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg investigated a treatment for chronic subdural hematomas, particularly beneficial for older men who are at higher risk. The EMMA procedure, which involves embolizing the middle meningeal artery to reduce blood flow, has been in use for about a decade.
To assess its impact on post-surgery health, a randomized clinical trial involving 186 patients was conducted over 90 days. Patients receiving the EMMA treatment alongside surgery experienced a recurrence rate of approximately 4%, a significant drop from the 28% observed in patients who had surgery alone.
This breakthrough not only enhances patient recovery but also promises to reduce the financial burden on the hospital system. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in April 2026, signifies a major achievement for Winnipeg and Manitoba, impacting global patient care.