TCAR: A Less Invasive Approach to Treating Carotid Artery Disease

Carotid artery disease, a leading cause of stroke (affecting one in three stroke patients), occurs when plaque buildup clogs the arteries supplying blood to the brain. Traditional surgery carries a risk of stroke during the procedure. TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) offers a less invasive, clinically proven alternative.

How TCAR Works

TCAR is a minimally invasive endovascular procedure performed through a small incision at the neck. A specialized device temporarily redirects blood flow away from the blocked carotid artery, filtering out plaque to prevent stroke during the procedure. With the blood flow diverted and filtered, the surgeon safely opens the artery using a stent, then restores normal blood flow. Thousands of TCAR procedures have been performed worldwide with excellent patient outcomes.

Benefits of TCAR

Compared to traditional surgery, studies show TCAR offers significant advantages:

• Reduced risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack) and cranial nerve injury
• Shorter hospital stay (typically less than one day), shorter operating room time and shorter clamp time (time artery is clamped during surgery)