Historical evolution of neuroendovascular surgery of intracranial aneurysms: from coils to polymers.

Objectives: The backbone of neuroendovascular surgery was developed in the decades of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. Catheter, balloon and coil technologies were further added to the armamentarium of endovascular treatment of cerebral arterial aneurysms and vasospasm.

Material And Methods: Development of detachable coils in the early 1990s was a major breakthrough in the management of intracranial arterial aneurysms. We reviewed available literature and evidence and summarized historical landmarks in the development of neuroendovascular surgery for intracranial arterial aneurysms.

Conclusion: Current management of intracranial aneurysms is a merge between derived knowledge of early generational concepts and current technology.