Preoperative embolization of central nervous system tumors

Preoperative embolization plays a vital role in the management of giant or skull base meningiomas and hypervascular tumors, such as hemangioblastomas, hemangiopericytomas, juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas, and paragangliomas. Recent advances in microcatheter technology, microembolisates, and neurophysiologic monitoring have improved the safety of preoperative embolization. Sound endovascular principles and techniques are paramount to prevent major complications, such as stroke, blindness, or cranial neuropathy, however. Preoperative embolization of tumors has become a requisite tool for the neurosurgical team and represents a signifiant improvement in patient care.