Bayhealth uses a breakthrough technology called Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) to treat patients with carotid artery disease as an alternative to a carotid endarterectomy, an open surgery. While any repair of the carotid artery carries some risk of causing a stroke because of the repair itself, TCAR was designed to help minimize that risk by keeping potential stroke-causing fragments away from the brain.
TCAR facilitates direct access to the carotid artery but with a much smaller incision just above the collar bone, compared to the longer incision with the open surgery approach. Blood flow is reversed away from the brain during TCAR and a stent is implanted to stabilize the plaque, offering the unique advantage of preventing future strokes. Typical patient benefits include shorter procedure time, less pain and a faster recovery.
Based on age and other health conditions, some patients with clogged carotid arteries are at higher risk of surgical complications from open surgery and may be a candidate for TCAR. Speak to your vascular surgeon to find out more.