BACKGROUND- Recent advances in intracranial vascular catheterization along with new microballoon technology have led to an increasing interest in using interventional techniques to treat cerebrovascular disease.REVIEW SUMMARY- Interventional techniques including percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and intra-arterial thrombolysis have shown great promise in stroke prevention and treatment. Multicenter clinical trials are in progress.CONCLUSIONS- Interventional neurovascular techniques may prevent strokes and improve stroke recovery.