The Utility of Ultrasound Through a Sonolucent Implant in the Perioperative Management of Subdural Hematoma: Three Exemplificative Cases

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: – Cranial imaging is vital in the postoperative and follow-up care of patients with subdural hematoma (SDH). Recent advancements in sonolucent cranial implants have opened the door for ultrasound as a mode of imaging and tracking patient progress postoperatively. We present the cases of 3 patients who were surgically treated for SDH and received ClearFit sonolucent cranial implants (Longeviti Neuro Solutions) to demonstrate the device's feasibility for the monitoring of patients after hematoma evacuation.METHODS: – A retrospective review was completed of data for patients who received the ClearFit sonolucent burr-hole cover during SDH evacuation between January 2024 and January 2025. Inpatient and outpatient medical records, operative reports, and imaging studies were reviewed.RESULTS: – Three patients were included in the study. In each patient, the ultrasound image provided through the ClearFit was of adequate diagnostic quality to guide patient management. The findings also correlated with computed tomography imaging findings. No complications of device placement, such as hardware malfunction or infection, were noted.CONCLUSION: – Use of the ClearFit burr-hole cover during craniotomy was safe and feasible. Imaging quality was sufficient to provide information that could guide patient management in the period after SDH evacuation without need for computed tomography.