The evolution of endovascular therapy for neurosurgical disease

The exponential evolution of endovascular neurosurgery over the past few decades has redefined the treatment strategies for cerebrovascular diseases. Entering the new millennium, one must have the mindset to embrace and nurture the progress and technologic advances. Thomas Fogarty eloquently stated: "When envisioning the technologic process, we must think young' and consider the impossible. The mindset is best achieved in an environment where innovators consider the unachievable as being possible" [27]. Indeed, the pioneers of endovascular neurosurgery considered the impossible and tenaciously stood by their dreams. Their revolutionary ideas and inventions truly reflected their courage, faith, and determination. With a better understanding of the molecular basis of diseases and further advancements in gene therapy, the future is ideal and holds exciting promise for endovascular neurosurgery to deliver biologic factors with minimal risk and high precision and to develop effective therapies for the entire spectrum of neurologic diseases.