Interventional neuroradiology

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of all aspects concer ning interventional neuroradiology of vascular central nervous diseases. Today, interventional neuroradiology can help many patients that, even unti l a few years ago, did not have any possibility for a safe cure. Complex ce rebral arteriovenous malformations and fistulas, inoperable aneurysms and i ntravascular thromboses are often treated with interventional neuroradiolog y alone, while in other cases a combination of neurosurgery and radiation m ay help in reaching a good outcome for the patients. In the past few decades the efforts by neuroradiologists and collaborating clinicians to develop treatment strategies and methods for these and other highrisk diseases represent a vast, fascinating field of modern medicine. T he article therefore focusses on the state-of-the-art and describes present ly used methods for diseases that can be treated with interventional neuror adiology. Literature dealing with the historical development of interventional neuror adiology and important publications of recent scientific work are reviewed, providing the reader with an overview of the most pertinent material on ea ch disease discussed. Aspects of training and ethics are discussed and emphasis is focussed on th e importance of recognizing these aspects as essential in any case of inter ventional radiological treatment.