Transcarotid artery revascularization aids in stroke prevention
Drs. Jeanette H. Man and Steven Vang, surgeons with Aurora BayCare General & Vascular Surgery, are treating carotid artery disease and preventing potential strokes by using an innovative procedure called transcarotid artery revascularization.
The procedure, often referred to as TCAR, is a clinically-proven, minimally-invasive approach for patients requiring carotid artery treatment.
Carotid artery disease is a form of atherosclerosis, or a buildup of plaque, in the two main arteries in the neck that supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain. If left untreated, carotid artery disease can often lead to stroke. Up to a third of strokes are caused by carotid artery disease.
During a TCAR procedure, a tube inserted into the carotid artery is connected to a system that temporarily directs blood flow away from the brain to protect against dangerous debris from reaching the brain during the procedure. Surgeons then filter the blood before returning it to a vein in the groin, and a stent is implanted directly into the carotid artery to stabilize the plaque and prevent future strokes.
“TCAR is an excellent, less invasive option when treating carotid artery disease,” Man says. “It’s also effective in preventing stroke in this patient population. Because of its low stroke risk and faster patient recovery, I believe TCAR provides another great option for carotid repair.”
Vang agrees.
“Prior to TCAR, the main treatment option for severe carotid artery disease was an open surgical procedure called carotid endarterectomy or CEA,” he says. “CEA removes plaque from inside the carotid artery to restore normal blood flow to the brain, but the incision leaves a visible scar and carries risks of surgical complications such as bleeding, infection, heart attack and more.”
TCAR is well-suited for patients at a higher risk of surgical complications due to age, simultaneous medical conditions, or anatomical issues.
For more information, please call 920-288-8250 or visit baycare.net.
About BayCare Clinic
BayCare Clinic, baycare.net, is the largest physician-owned specialty-care clinic in northeastern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It is based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. BayCare Clinic offers expertise in more than 20 specialties, with more than 100 physicians serving in 16 area communities. BayCare Clinic is a joint partner in Aurora BayCare Medical Center, a 167-bed, full-service hospital. Follow BayCare Clinic on Facebook and Twitter.
About Aurora BayCare Medical Center
Aurora BayCare Medical Center is a 167-bed, full-service tertiary care hospital located at 2845 Greenbrier Road on Green Bay’s east side. It opened in September 2001 as a joint venture of Aurora Health Care and BayCare Clinic. Aurora BayCare is committed to creating a better way to provide high quality tertiary healthcare, the latest in medical technology and superior service.
About Aurora Health Care
Aurora Health Care is a not-for-profit Wisconsin-area health care provider and a national leader in efforts to improve health care quality. Aurora offers services at sites in more than 90 communities throughout eastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Aurora is Wisconsin’s most comprehensive health care provider and the state’s largest private employer. Aurora serves more than 1.2 million patients every year via a comprehensive network of facilities, services and providers, including 15 hospitals, 159 clinics, 70 pharmacies and 30,000 amazing Caregivers. As evidenced by more than 400 active clinical trials, Aurora is dedicated to delivering innovations to provide the best possible care today, and to define the best care for tomorrow. Get helpful health and wellness information via the Aurora MyHealth blog, our Facebook page, our Twitter account and our Pinterest account.
