TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR)

One in three strokes are caused by carotid artery disease. For patients that require surgery to address their carotid artery disease, one of the first things to consider is the impact that surgery might have on the patient, the patient’s body and, importantly, the patient’s brain. While any repair of the carotid artery carries some risk of stroke caused by the repair itself, TCAR is a clinically proven, minimally invasive endovascular procedure to treat carotid artery disease and help prevent future strokes. TCAR temporarily reverses blood flow away from the brain, collecting any potential debris in a device filter, before returning the blood to a vessel in the leg.

What is Carotid Artery Disease?

Carotid artery disease occurs when fatty deposits (plaques) clog the blood vessels that deliver blood to your brain and head (carotid arteries). The blockage increases your risk of stroke, a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or seriously reduced.

How Does TCAR Work?

• TCAR is performed through a small incision at the base of the neck
• A novel device is placed that temporarily redirects blood flow away from the blocked carotid artery to avoid bits of cholesterol plaque from potentially reaching the brain and causing a stroke during the procedure
• While blood flow is being diverted, it is filtered to remove loose plaque that may be present
• During the time of the blood flow diversion, the surgeon can safely open the artery with a stent
• Following the stent placement, blood flow is returned to normal

More than 15,000 TCAR procedures have been performed worldwide, and the data on patient outcomes have been excellent.

Benefits of a Less Invasive TCAR Approach

• Studies show that the following favor the TCAR procedure
• Less myocardial infarction
• Less cranial nerve injury
• Less time in the hospital ( > 1 day)
• Less time in operating room
• Less clamp time
• Can be done with local vs. general anesthesia

For more information, please talk to your cardiologist.