Doctors around patientCarotid artery disease narrows the blood vessels that supply oxygen to your brain, significantly raising your risk of stroke. This condition can lead to devastating consequences, including permanent disability or death. However, medical advances now offer a precise, less invasive approach to treatment: TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR).

TCAR represents a breakthrough for patients facing carotid artery blockages. Unlike traditional open surgery, this procedure protects your brain during treatment, reducing the risk of stroke and helping you regain control of your health.

What Is Carotid Artery Disease?

Your carotid arteries are critical blood vessels in the neck that deliver oxygen to your brain. When these arteries narrow or become blocked by plaque—a condition called atherosclerosis—blood flow to the brain diminishes. This blockage can trigger a stroke, where brain cells begin to die within minutes of oxygen deprivation.

A stroke can devastate your life, potentially disrupting:

  • Speech and communication
  • Vision
  • Physical movement
  • Cognitive function

Certain factors accelerate carotid artery disease, including:

  • Smoking: Directly damages artery walls
  • Obesity: Increases plaque formation
  • High cholesterol: Creates fatty artery deposits
  • High blood pressure: Compromises blood vessel health
  • Diabetes: Rapidly advanced arterial damage
  • Physical inactivity: Elevates cardiovascular risks

While medications and lifestyle changes can manage the early stages of carotid artery disease, advanced cases require medical intervention to prevent stroke. Your doctor can help determine your specific condition’s most appropriate treatment strategy.

What Is TCAR?

TCARTransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) is a precise, minimally invasive procedure that treats carotid artery disease and helps prevent stroke. This technique restores blood flow to the brain with remarkable precision, offering hope for patients facing higher risks with traditional surgery.

TCAR differs from open surgery in critical ways:

  • Smaller incisions
  • Reduced surgical risks
  • Faster recovery
  • Specialized brain protection technology

During the procedure, doctors use advanced technology to reverse blood flow temporarily. This innovative approach prevents plaque fragments from reaching the brain, significantly reducing stroke risk. For patients with complex medical histories or challenging anatomical conditions, TCAR provides a carefully targeted treatment option.

How Does TCAR Work?

The TCAR procedure involves precise steps to treat carotid artery disease safely. Doctors begin by making a small incision in the neck and inserting a specialized catheter into the carotid artery. A unique feature of TCAR is its innovative blood flow reversal technique, which protects the brain from potential plaque dislodgement during treatment.

Once the artery is accessed, a stent is carefully placed to:

  • Stabilize existing plaque
  • Restore proper blood flow to the brain
  • Prevent further arterial narrowing

The procedure’s neuroprotection system provides an additional layer of safety. This advanced technology captures potential plaque debris during stent placement, preventing fragments from entering the bloodstream and reducing stroke risk.

TCAR’s minimally invasive approach offers significant advantages over traditional surgery:

  • Smaller incisions
  • Reduced risk of complications
  • Enhanced brain protection
  • Precise arterial treatment

Benefits of TCAR Over Traditional Surgery

Traditional carotid endarterectomy (CEA) removes plaque from the artery through a large neck incision. While effective, this approach carries significant risks:

Potential complications include:

  • Infection due to extensive surgical site
  • Increased bleeding risk
  • Potential heart stress leading to cardiac events
  • Possible cranial nerve damage affecting speech, swallowing, or facial sensation

TCAR offers clear advantages over traditional surgery.

Key benefits include:

  • Minimally invasive technique with smaller incisions
  • Reduced tissue damage
  • Advanced neuroprotection system preventing plaque migration
  • Significantly lower stroke risk
  • Rapid recovery: Most patients return home the next day
  • A quick resumption of normal activities

Clinical studies demonstrate TCAR’s effectiveness, showing comparable or potentially superior outcomes to traditional surgical approaches.

Is TCAR Right for You?

How does TCAR workIf you’ve been diagnosed with carotid artery disease, TCAR may be an effective treatment option. The procedure is particularly beneficial for patients who face higher risks with traditional surgery:

Ideal candidates include:

  • Older patients who may not tolerate extensive surgical stress
  • Individuals with complex medical histories, such as heart disease or diabetes
  • Patients experiencing neurological symptoms like:
    • Dizziness
    • Blurred vision
    • Sudden weakness

Your treatment path depends on multiple factors, including:

  • Overall health status
  • Severity of carotid artery disease
  • Individual medical considerations

Are you concerned about carotid artery disease and stroke risk? Schedule an appointment with our vascular team to determine if TCAR suits your medical needs.