Cerebral arterial aneurysms: the early period of neuroendovascular therapy

Anatomical concepts derived by surgical management of intracranial aneurysms provided a pathway to the current integration and practice of aneurysm treatment. These important early developments, such as the surgical microscope in the late 1960s, the development of new surgical techniques and catheters and the evolution of imaging technology, have all provided a fundamental sequence to current clinical practice.

The 1960s can be recognized as the dawn of the current era of aneurysm management. It was during this time period that the quest for novel methods of treatment that carried less risk and severity to the patients was being considered with comparable results.

The current management of intracranial aneurysms is a merge between derived knowledge of early generational concepts and current technology. A clear and conclusive understanding of these current achievements is, however, still in their infancy.