Bibliometric analysis of neurointerventional surgery: The scientific production of the specialty in the two leading specialty-specific journals

IntroductionIn recent decades, neurovascular practice has shifted from open surgical procedures to interventional neuroradiology. Within this evolving landscape, two journals-Interventional Neuroradiology (INR) and Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery (JNIS)-have become central platforms for disseminating impactful research.MethodsA bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Scopus database to identify the 500 most cited articles published in Interventional Neuroradiology (INR) and the Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery (JNIS). Each article was categorized by study type, procedure, and pathology. Bibliometric data were analyzed using R and VOSviewer to map influential studies and collaborative networks within the field.ResultsA total of 6813 articles were screened. The 500 most cited, comprising 439 from JNIS and 61 from INR, were analyzed. Citation counts averaged 70.71 per article, with the top-cited study reaching 371 citations. A marked increase in high-impact publications occurred from 2020 to 2024, reflecting growing output in the field. The United States led in total publications and citations. Trending topics evolved from early focuses on pediatric cases and aneurysms to current emphases on stroke, thrombectomy, flow diverters, and artificial intelligence. This was confirmed by keyword analysis, demonstrating the dominance of cerebrovascular pathology and minimally invasive techniques in recent neurointerventional research.ConclusionThis analysis highlights the central role of ischemic stroke and aneurysm treatment in neurointervention, with thrombectomy and endovascular therapies driving clinical advances. The field shows increasing global engagement and a shift toward higher-level evidence, reflecting its maturation. While foundational studies remain influential, recent research is poised to define future directions and innovation.