Enloe Health offers the breakthrough technology TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) to treat patients with carotid artery disease, a narrowing of the blood vessels in the neck.
This minimally invasive procedure helps minimize the risk of stroke during a carotid artery repair by keeping potential stroke-causing fragments away from the brain.
Like the open surgery carotid endarterectomy (CEA), which is used to treat carotid artery disease, TCAR gives caregivers direct access to the artery but through a much smaller incision at the neckline. The result? Patients who undergo a TCAR procedure recover quickly and typically spend just one night in the hospital. Most go home the next day.
During the procedure, a tube is inserted into the carotid artery and connected to a system that temporarily directs blood flow away from the brain to prevent debris from reaching the brain during the procedure. Surgeons then filter the blood before returning it to a vein in the groin and place a stent directly into the carotid artery to stabilize the plaque and prevent future strokes. The procedure is performed in less than half the time of CEA, thus limiting the stress on the heart and significantly reducing the risk of the patient having a stroke or heart attack during the procedure.
Your physician may recommend the TCAR procedure if you’ve been diagnosed with carotid artery disease. Learn more about this procedure in this video.
Our board-certified vascular surgeons offer the latest surgical techniques and state-of-the-art equipment.
Less-invasive surgical options are also available and allow for shorter hospital stays, as well as faster recovery and rehabilitation. All surgical options will be discussed in our office with the surgeon.
Enloe Health’s dedicated team of vascular surgeons and support staff offers these minimally invasive procedures:
- Endovascular arterial lithotripsy: Caregivers use ultrasound waves to help break up calcified blockages in your arteries to improve circulation.
- Blood vessel atherectomy: Providers remove plaque and buildup within your blood vessels to improve your circulation.
- Advanced aortic and thoracic endografts: Caregivers place specialized grafts within your arteries to treat aneurysms in your aorta, the largest artery in your body. This approach avoids large incisions that are more common with open repairs.
- Advanced vein care, including venaseal and radiofrequency ablation: Providers use these advanced catheter techniques to treat varicose veins. This approach is preferrable to traditional open phlebectomy incisions and allows for quicker healing.
- Dialysis access through the smallest incision possible: This allows for faster healing, so you can get back to the activities you love.
All our providers are experts in managing arterial and venous disease. We provide the most up-to-date advice and therapy to prevent surgery. However, our trusted caregivers offer surgical options when necessary.
The Enloe Health Vascular Surgery team is committed to you, your good health and helping you achieve the best version of yourself.
During the consultation, our providers will review your medications and medical history with you. This information helps us give you comprehensive care and determine your course of treatment.
