Cerebrovascular neurosurgery 2011

Several landmark studies in cerebrovascular neurosurgery were published in 2011. In this brief review, we highlight advances in our understanding of cerebral aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVM), cavernous malformations (CM) and cerebral ischemia. Specifically, results from the Barrow Ruptured Aneurysm Trial (BRAT), the Stenting and Aggressive Medical Management for Preventing Recurrent stroke in Intracranial Stenosis trial (SAMMPRIS) and the Carotid Occlusion Surgery Study (COSS) are highlighted. In addition, studies detailing the effect of aspirin on aneurysm rupture, the question of shrinking of ruptured aneurysms, and important endovascular reports including the Pipeline embolization device for the Intracranial Treatment of Aneurysms trial (PITA) are reviewed. New natural history results for high grade AVM from the Finnish database were reported, as were exciting advances in endovascular therapy and a compilation of results of radiosurgery. For CM, a new grading scheme was presented and the largest surgical series of brainstem CM was reported.