The practice of endovascular neurosurgery is becoming more and more common. Endovascular techniques have increased our understanding of cerebrovascular diseases, and evolving technologies have expanded our means of treatment. This increasing complexity requires a neurosurgeon to increase clinical capacity and develop professional knowledge. However, narrow clinical focus also breeds prejudice, competition and controversy. These reactions may be positive when they stimulate innovation, improve patient outcomes, cause suspicion and hinder progress. Now these factors are more common in...

Endovascular neurosurgery is now the most commonly practiced therapeutic approach for most vascular lesions involving the brain and spinal cord. At the beginning, balloons were the only available technique; later coils, embolic agents, and stents are introduced. With the expansion of endovascular devices and techniques, the treatment strategies for cerebrospinal vascular diseases have been refined. Neurosurgeons must have the mindset to embrace and nurture progress and technological advances. The pioneers of endovascular neurosurgery considered the impossible and tenaciously stood by their...