
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Baptist Health Medical Center-North Little Rock is treating carotid artery disease and preventing future strokes using an innovative procedure called TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR). TCAR is a clinically proven and minimally invasive approach for patients who need carotid artery treatment.
Carotid artery disease is a form of atherosclerosis, or a build-up of plaque, in the two main arteries of the neck. The carotid arteries are vital as they feed oxygen-rich blood to the brain. If left untreated, carotid artery disease can often lead to stroke.
“TCAR is an important option in the fight against stroke and is now available to our eligible patients, regardless of their surgical risk status,” said general surgeon Dr. John DeLoach, who performs this procedure at BHMC-North Little Rock. “Not only is TCAR less invasive than open surgery, but there is also less chance of heart attack and nerve injury.”
Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. Worldwide, nearly 5 million people die from a stroke, and another 5 million are left permanently disabled every year.
With up to a third of strokes caused by carotid artery disease, the TCAR procedure at BHMC-North Little Rock helps to prevent future strokes with a faster recovery time and an increased chance of being discharged to home.
TCAR is unique in that blood flow is temporarily reversed during the procedure so that any small bits of plaque that may break off are diverted away from the brain, preventing a stroke from happening. A stent is then placed inside the artery to stabilize the plaque, minimizing the risk of a future stroke.
“We are proud to offer this procedure as a clinically proven alternative with better outcomes, including reducing the risk for stroke,” said Cody Walker, president of BHMC-North Little Rock. “TCAR is a great tool in Baptist Health’s continued fight against stroke, and is becoming a preferred way to treat carotid artery disease.”
Prior to TCAR, the main treatment option for severe carotid artery disease was an open surgical procedure called carotid endarterectomy (CEA). CEA removes plaque from inside the carotid artery to restore normal blood flow to the brain, but the large incision leaves a visible scar the length of the neck and carries risks of surgical complications, including bleeding, infection, heart attack and cranial nerve injuries that can cause issues with swallowing, speaking and sensation in the face.
It is important to talk to your primary care provider about your risk of having a stroke and if you should be screened, especially if you have a family history of vascular disease. Early diagnosis and treatment of a narrowed carotid artery can decrease stroke risk. Your doctor can listen to the arteries in your neck with a stethoscope or refer you for a carotid ultrasound.
One or more of these risk factors puts people at risk for carotid artery disease:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Older age
- History of smoking
- Lack of physical activity
- Clogged arteries
The TCAR system was developed by Sunnyvale, California-based Silk Road Medical, Inc. and includes the ENROUTE Transcarotid Neuroprotection (N.P.S.) and Stent System – the first devices designed and FDA-approved specifically for TCAR. Over 40,000 TCAR procedures have been performed worldwide through clinical trial and commercial use.
For more information about the TCAR procedure and to see if it is right for you, visit Baptist-Health.com or call 1-888-BAPTIST.
About Baptist Health
For more than 100 years, Baptist Health has delivered All Our Best in health care through Christian compassion and innovative services. Baptist Health is Arkansas’ most comprehensive health care organization with more than 250 points of access that include 11 hospitals; urgent care centers; a senior living community; over 100 primary and specialty care clinics; a college with studies in nursing and allied health; a graduate residency program; and access to virtual care anytime, anywhere. It is also the largest private not-for-profit health care organization based in Arkansas, providing care through the support of approximately 11,000 employees, groundbreaking treatments, renowned physicians and community outreach programs. For more information about Baptist Health, visit baptist-health.com, call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST or download the myBaptistHealth app. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.