Transcarotid artery revascularization, known as TCAR, is a minimally invasive procedure that aims to prevent future strokes. During the procedure, blood flow is temporarily reversed to keep any small plaque particles that may break off from reaching the brain, preventing a stroke. A stent is then placed inside the carotid artery to stabilize the plaque and prevent a future stroke.
More than 20,000 TCAR procedures have been completed worldwide through clinical trials and commercial use to date, according to the hospital, part of Livonia, Mich.-based Trinity Health.
Prior to the procedure, the standard treatment option for severe carotid artery disease was carotid endarterectomy, an open surgical procedure. The minimally invasive alternative is associated with a lower risk of complications such as heart attack and nerve injury and is a shorter procedure.
Untreated carotid artery disease is responsible for up to one-third of strokes and often produces minimal to no symptoms in its early stages.
