Memorial Vascular Surgery Consultants celebrate TCAR procedure milestone
GULFPORT, Miss. – August 31, 2022 – Memorial Vascular Surgery Consultants have performed more than 50 Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) procedures as the only TCAR center in Coastal Mississippi. TCAR is a clinically proven, minimally invasive procedure to treat carotid artery disease and help prevent future strokes.
“We are proud to be the only TCAR center available in the region. This is a hybrid procedure that was developed to treat patients with carotid artery disease who are at risk (either surgical or anatomical) for conventional carotid endarterectomy. Compared to conventional surgery, TCAR can result in less risk of myocardial infarction, less risk of cranial nerve injury, and less clamp time.”
Dr. Joseph Graham, Memorial Vascular/Blood Vein Health Specialist
TCAR is a patient-friendly endovascular procedure that utilizes a system that temporarily reverses blood flow away from the brain, collecting any potential debris in the device filter, before returning the blood to a vessel in the leg.
TCAR generally takes between 45 and 90 minutes, and patients typically go home the next day. The small incision means limited risk to cranial nerves and a faster, less painful recovery for the patient.
The new minimally invasive transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) procedure uses a special transcarotid neuro-protection system (NPS) and is designed to reduce the risk of stroke during the insertion of the stent.
The novel NPS device allows the surgeon to directly access the common carotid artery in the neck and initiate high-rate temporary blood flow reversal to protect the brain from stroke while delivering and implanting the stent.
The TCAR procedure is performed through a small incision at the neckline just above the clavicle. The surgeon places a tube directly into the carotid artery and connects it to the NPS that directs blood flow away from the brain, to protect against plaque that may come loose reaching the brain.
The patient’s blood flows through the NPS and any material is captured in a filter outside the body. The filtered blood is then returned through a second tube in the patient’s upper leg. After the stent is placed successfully, flow reversal is turned off and blood flow resumes in its normal direction.
Transcarotid Artery Revascularization or TCAR is a safe and effective way for patients with buildup in the carotid artery to be treated in a minimally invasive way.
Your vascular surgeon may recommend a TCAR procedure if you have been diagnosed with carotid artery disease that requires intervention, and your age, anatomy or other medical conditions place you at a high risk for open surgery (carotid endarterectomy).
Call (228) 575-1300 to schedule an appointment or click the button below to learn more.
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About Memorial Health System
Memorial Health System has been dedicated to healing, inspiring, and transforming the health of our community since 1946. Memorial’s expansive footprint includes three hospital facilities, four outpatient surgery locations, a medical office building, outpatient diagnostic centers, more than 110 Memorial Physician Clinics, and post-acute services including skilled nursing, long-term care, certified Alzheimer/Dementia Unit, and continuous care community living. With a vision of being the driving force that improves the health of our patients throughout their lifetime, Memorial is committed to advanced care. Memorial offers several of the region’s most comprehensive clinical programs and medical specialties unique to the Coast, including a Level III Neonatal ICU, state-designated Level II Trauma Center, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, and Mississippi’s first nationally certified Primary Stroke Center. Learn more by visiting wearememorial.com.