Introduction: Endovascular approaches to cerebral ischemia

The treatment of stroke has rapidly evolved over the past decade, particularly as data concerning the natural history have emerged and endovascular treatment options have matured. Therapies for acute stroke have expanded as intraarterial thrombolysis and mechanical clot retrieval have been validated. Furthermore, angioplasty and stenting of intra- and extracranial vessels have evolved with the development of new devices coupled with increasing operator experience. Endovascular therapy is now a widely accepted treatment option for cerebral ischemia in many clinical situations.