This book covers all ethical aspects of introducing novel implants and procedures in neurosurgery in a structured way, addressing the current knowledge gap concerning ethical innovations in neurosurgery. Initially it explores the difficulties involved in defining when a procedure should be considered innovation, research, or care. To this end, it presents not only an overview of current literature, but also data from a recent survey among neurosurgeons in Europe.

The book subsequently discusses the ethical issues related to innovation. These include: informed consent (what should a surgeon tell the patient and how should he/she do so), oversight (can any surgeon simply implant a novel spinal device?), the learning curve (when should a surgeon be allowed to perform a novel procedure?), vulnerable patients (how to innovate in the pediatric population or in an emergency setting), and conflicts of interest, as well as the ethics of paying for innovative treatments.

In turn, the closing chapters focus on the evaluation of neurosurgical research and innovation. Are cultural changes necessary and how could innovation benefit from (international) collaborations? Given the range of topics addressed, the book offers neurosurgeons, residents, scientists, companies and hospital administrations a valuable guide to introducing novel implants and techniques in neurosurgery.

Marike Broekman, M.D. Ph.D. L.L.M. is a neurosurgeon with a focus on neuro-oncology at Haaglanden Medical Center/Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands and holds appointments at the Department of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital/ Harvard Medical School Boston, USA. Dr. Broekman is the principle investigator of a laboratory focusing on the development of innovative treatments and techniques for the diagnosis of brain tumors. She is the current president of the Ethico-Legal Committee of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies and a member of the Ethics Committee of the World Association of Neurosurgical Societies. Dr. Broekman has published over 80 papers in peer-reviewed journals, and is a member of the editorial board of Acta Neurochirurgica.