Pharmacologic testing as an adjunct to neuroendovascular procedures

Provocative pharmacologic testing requires minimal time and little expense. Its judicious use seems to add additional useful information for interventionalists to consider before permanent occlusion of an arterial system. Pharmacologic testing should not be considered a replacement for familiarity with the vascular anatomy or the use of meticulous interventional technique. When appropriately used, it may be helpful in minimizing neurologic complications resulting from arterial embolization.