Neurointerventional Surgery (NIS)/ Interventional Neuroradiology (INR) is an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited medical subspecialty specializing in minimally invasive image-based technologies/procedures used in diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the head, neck, and spine. The latest movement is redefining the field as “endovascular surgical neuroradiology.”

First accredited in 2000, there are currently more than 500 individuals in the United States who have an active interest and special competency in this field. In 2007 the specialty changed its name from Interventional Neuroradiology to Neurointerventional Surgery. The American Society of Interventional & Therapeutic Neuroradiology (ASITN) changed it name to Society of Neurointerventional Surgery (SNIS).

The Society for Vascular and Interventional Neurology (SVIN) was founded in 2006 to represent a society of persons interested in the innovative treatment of cerebrovascular and other neurological disease. To foster cooperation among specialists and sub-specialists who are involved in the interventional treatment of neurological disorders.

Giardia lamblia (synonymous with Lamblia intestinalis and Giardia duodenalis) is a flagellated protozoan parasite that colonises and reproduces in the small intestine, causing giardiasis. The giardia parasite attaches to the epithelium by a ventral adhesive disc, and reproduces via binary fission. Giardiasis does not spread via the bloodstream, nor does it spread to other parts of the gastro-intestinal tract, but remains confined to the lumen of the small intestine. Giardia trophozoites absorb their nutrients from the lumen of the small intestine, and are anaerobes. If the organism is split and stained, it has a very characteristic pattern that resembles a familiar “smiley face” symbol.

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