Avoiding complications in neurosurgical interventional procedures.

The aim of this paper is to describe common complications during neurosurgical interventional procedures. We describe our experience and review the literature about how to avoid complications during diagnostic cerebral angiography and neurosurgical interventional procedures. Recent technological advances have expanded the therapeutic options of neuroendovascular interventions. However, with higher complexity there is also an increased risk of complications. Common complications include hematoma at the puncture site, arterial dissection and microembolism. Treatment of complex aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations involves a higher complication rate. Standardized training and operator's certification reduces the risk of complications. It is also important to work with specialized ancillary staff and to provide dedicated neurocritical care after the neuroendovascular intervention.