OCALA - Ocala Regional Medical Center now offers a newer minimally invasive procedure, Trans Carotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR), to treat carotid artery disease and prevent future strokes in high surgical risk patients who need carotid artery treatment.
Carotid artery disease is a form of atherosclerosis, or an accumulation of plaque, in the two main arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain. Carotid artery disease, if left untreated, may ultimately result in the causation of a stroke or TIA (mini-stroke). It is estimated that 15 million people worldwide suffer a stroke each year.
Prior to the development of TCAR, the main surgical treatment option for severe carotid disease was an open surgical procedure called a carotid endarterectomy, which removes the plaque from inside of the carotid artery to restore normal blood flow to the brain. However, the large incision leaves a visible scar the length of the neck and carries risk of surgical complications, including bleeding, infection, heart attack, etc.
With the new availability of Trans Carotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR), Ocala Regional Medical Center can now offer patients who are at high surgical risk, a minimally invasive treatment option. In contrast to traditional open carotid surgery, TCAR involves accessing the carotid artery through a small incision above the collarbone. The vascular surgeon then delivers a stent directly into the artery to restore blood flow to the brain. The benefits of TCAR are the reduced risk of stroke and other complications associated with traditional stenting or surgical methods.
“The addition of the TCAR procedure at Ocala Regional Medical Center is just another example of our commitment to provide comprehensive treatment options for even the most complex and high-risk patients suffering from vascular disease. TCAR is a less invasive and clinically proven alternative to surgery. The minimally invasive approach and unique flow reversal system allows us to achieve an equivalent result to open revascularization with less risk in the high-risk patient population”, says Alberto Gonzalez, MD, Board Certified General and Vascular Surgeon at Ocala Health.
“In my practice, TCAR has shown to be truly beneficial to my patients. Through this minimally invasive procedure, patients recover faster and experience less complications than with traditional carotid surgery. Having this new technology available in Ocala allows patients to receive cutting edge care right here in own community”, says Ravi Chandra, MD, General and Vascular Surgeon at Ocala Health.
Ocala Health encompasses Ocala Regional Medical Center, a 256-bed facility located in the heart of Ocala, and West Marion Community Hospital, a 174-bed hospital located in west Marion County, Summerfield ER, a freestanding emergency department located in southern Marion County, and Maricamp ER, a freestanding emergency department located on Maricamp Road in Ocala. Ocala Regional Medical Center is a Level II Trauma Center and a Comprehensive Stroke Center.
