Heritage Valley Uses Innovative Approach to Treat Carotid Artery Disease

Heritage Valley offers Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR), a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat Carotid Artery Disease by clearing blockages and opening a narrowed carotid artery, thereby reducing a patient’s risk of stroke. The carotid arteries are the main blood vessels that supply blood to the neck, face and brain. With Carotid Artery Disease, fatty deposits build up along the inner layer of the arteries and form plaque.

You may have heard of Carotid Endarterectomy, a traditional treatment for blockages in the carotid artery, and wonder what the difference is between it and TCAR. Carotid Endarterectomy is a more invasive surgical procedure, in which a surgeon opens the carotid artery by making a long incision in the neck to remove the plaque.

With TCAR, there is less risk of nerve damage, as the procedure requires a much smaller incision. The surgeon works through the small incision to stabilize plaque from inside the artery and restore normal blood flow to the brain. The major difference is that TCAR uses advanced technology to reverse blood flow away from the brain during the procedure, thereby lessening the chance of a stroke. The patient will also spend far less time under anesthesia and will experience a faster recovery time.

During your TCAR procedure, your surgeon will make a small incision in your neck, just above your collarbone. A tube is then placed directly into your carotid artery and connected to an advanced system that temporarily reverses blood flow away from your brain. This is done to prevent any loose bits of plaque from reaching your brain and causing a stroke. Your blood is filtered by the system and returned to your body through a second tube connected to a vein in your groin. While the blood flow is reversed, a stent will be inserted into your carotid artery. Once the stent is in place, your surgeon will stop the blood flow reversal and your blood again flows toward your brain. Patients typically go home the day after their TCAR procedure, and should plan on taking it easy for a week or so.

TCAR is a good option for patients with CAD who have a higher risk of surgical complications due to age or other health issues. Your surgeon will help you decide whether TCAR is right for you. For more information, please visit our website at heritagevalley.org and search for TCAR.