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.