Neurointerventional procedures in the pediatric age group.

Over the past 15 years there have been significant changes in the field of interventional neuroradiology, which have led to the inclusion of this specialty in the management of pediatric patients with vascular disorders of the central nervous system. Miniaturization of the devices and improvements in the embolic materials used have made it possible to perform endovascular therapy safely on neonates, infants and children. The role of endovascular therapy in the management of patients presenting with vein of Galen malformations and dural arteriovenous shunts has become clearly established. Endovascular therapists have also become important members of multidisciplinary teams managing patients with arteriovenous malformations of the brain and spinal cord. The role of endovascular therapy in the management of children with intracranial aneurysms is rapidly evolving, and experience with thrombolytic intra-arterial therapy for acute ischemic stroke is just gaining momentum. It is anticipated that in the future the role of endovascular therapy will continue to grow as part of the multidisciplinary team approach to the management of children presenting with complex vascular diseases of the central nervous system.