ProMedica Toledo Hospital First in Region to Offer Innovative TCAR Procedure to Treat Carotid Artery Disease

Jobst Vascular Institute at ProMedica Toledo Hospital is the first in the region to treat carotid artery disease and prevent future strokes using a new procedure called Trans Carotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR). TCAR is a clinically proven, minimally invasive approach for high surgical risk patients who need 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; it is estimated to be the source of stroke in up to a third of cases, with 400,000 new diagnoses of the disease made every year in the U.S. alone.

“TCAR is an important new option in the fight against stroke, and is particularly suited for the large portion of patients we see who are at higher risk of complications from carotid surgery due to age, anatomy, or other medical conditions,” said Sophie Afridi, MD, ProMedica Physicians Vascular Surgeon. “Because of its low stroke risk and faster patient recovery, I believe TCAR represents the future of carotid repair.”

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 small incision in the neck is done to limit the pathway the wire has to travel, minimizing the risk of stroke. A stent is then placed inside the artery to stabilize the plaque.

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 that can cause issues with swallowing, speaking and sensation in the face.

For more information about ProMedica, visit www.promedica.org.

ProMedica Toledo Hospital is a member ProMedica is a mission-based, not-for-profit integrated healthcare organization headquartered in Toledo, Ohio. It serves communities in 28 states. The organization offers acute and ambulatory care, an insurance company with a dental plan, and post-acute and academic business lines. The organization has more than 56,000 employees, 13 hospitals, 2,100+ physicians and advanced practice providers with privileges, 900+ healthcare providers employed by ProMedica Physicians, a health plan, and nearly 400 assisted living facilities, skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers, memory care communities, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and hospice and home health care agencies. Driven by its Mission to improve your health and well-being, ProMedica has been nationally recognized for its advocacy programs and efforts to address social determinants of health. For more information about ProMedica, please visit www.promedica.org/aboutus.