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Holy Cross Health is now treating carotid artery disease and preventing future strokes with the new procedure, TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR). TCAR is a clinically proven, patient-friendly treatment option that utilizes temporary flow reversal during direct, transcarotid stent placement to provide neuroprotection in a more efficient and less invasive approach.

“Every 40 seconds someone suffers a stroke in the U.S. and that didn’t stop during COVID,” said neuroEndovascular surgeon Andrey Lima, M.D., at the Phil Smith Neuroscience Institute at Holy Cross Health. “More than 20,000 procedures have been performed worldwide through clinical trial and commercial use of TCAR and the clinical data has been excellent.”

Dr. Andrey Lima (left) and Dr. Handel Robinson at Phil Smith Neuroscience Institute at Holy Cross Health

TCAR is unique in that blood flow is temporarily reversed during the procedure so that any small bits of plaque that may break off are diverted away from the brain, preventing a stroke from happening. A stent is then placed inside the artery to stabilize the plaque, minimizing the risk of a future stroke.

Prior to TCAR, the main treatment option for severe carotid artery disease was an open surgical procedure called carotid endarterectomy (CEA). CEA removes plaque from inside the carotid artery to restore normal blood flow to the brain, but the large incision leaves a visible scar the length of the neck and carries risks of surgical complications, including bleeding, infection, heart attack and cranial nerve injuries that can cause issues with swallowing, speaking and sensation in the face.

When compared to open surgery, TCAR has shown to provide exceptional stroke prevention, less risk of heart attack and nerve injury and is a shorter procedure. It is well-suited for patients who are at higher risk of surgical complications due to age, medical co-morbidities or anatomical issues.