The cardiovascular team at Hobart-based St. Mary Medical Center recently completed their 100th TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) procedure.
“TCAR represents the future of carotid repair,” said Dr. Anas Safadi, Powers Health interventional cardiologist, in a press release. “It offers patients a minimally invasive option to remove the build-up of plaque in the carotid artery, with a faster recovery time and an increased chance of being discharged to home sooner compared to traditional surgery.”
During a TCAR procedure, blood flow is temporarily reversed 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.
Prior to TCAR, the main treatment option for severe carotid artery disease was an open surgical procedure called carotid endarterectomy. A carotid endarterectomy removes plaque from inside the carotid artery to restore normal blood flow to the brain.
St. Mary Medical Center is part of the Powers Health network. The health care system also includes Community Hospital in Munster, St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago and Powers Health Rehabilitation Center in Crown Point.
