Sarah Bush Lincoln Vascular Surgeon Ravishankar Hasanadka, MD, announced on Mar. 30 that he is now performing the TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) procedure as an alternative way to clear blocked carotid arteries.
The TCAR procedure provides a minimally invasive option for patients with carotid artery blockages. This development matters because it offers another choice alongside existing treatments such as transfemoral stenting and endarterectomy, potentially improving patient outcomes and recovery times.
Hasanadka said that while all three methods—transfemoral stenting, endarterectomy, and TCAR—are effective and have similar risks, “the TCAR has slight advantages that make it attractive for people who qualify for it.” The incision required for a traditional endarterectomy is about eight centimeters along the neck, whereas the TCAR only needs an incision of two to three centimeters above the collarbone.
Post-operative recovery in the hospital is similar across all procedures, typically involving an overnight stay. However, Hasanadka explained that at home recovery can be quicker with TCAR: “After a TCAR, you can feel completely normal after a day or two,” he said. “Following an endarterectomy, people typically feel normal after a few days, but it can be a week or two in some cases.”
Eligibility for the TCAR procedure depends on whether a patient’s vascular structure supports it; this is determined through a CT scan. If eligible for both procedures, patients are given information about each method so they can make an informed decision. “If someone is eligible for both, I will explain the process for each procedure and the risks associated with both and offer them that choice,” Hasanadka said.
He added that offering the TCAR at Sarah Bush Lincoln means more local options: “Offering the TCAR at Sarah Bush Lincoln is a way to provide more service to the community and give people a local option rather than driving further from home to receive a TCAR if they prefer it.” For more information about vascular services or eligibility requirements, individuals are encouraged to contact SBL Vascular Services.
