Cutting Edge Treatment Saving Lives at Advanced Vascular

Our team of vascular surgeons offers patients a combined 60+ years of experience, and we have built our practice on the ideals of providing exceptional service and care along with the best surgical methods and technology.

We are excited to share that we are again adding to our services.

Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) is a new procedure that will help us treat blockages in the carotid artery that put patients at risk of having a stroke. This procedure combines the principles of neuroprotection with minimally invasive endovascular techniques. The equipment was developed by Silk Road Medical and is heralded for the decreased side effects compared to current carotid artery surgery methods.

TCAR Method: The procedure starts with a small incision just above the collar bone. A soft, flexible sheath is placed into the carotid artery, connecting the artery to a system that will reverse blood flow away from the brain for added safety during the procedure. A second sheath is placed in the patient’s thigh to allow filtered blood to be returned to the body while the stent is placed in the carotid artery.

Saving Lives: It is estimated that 80 percent of strokes in the United States are preventable, and this procedure can help us prevent more strokes and save more lives. Strokes are a leading cause of death in the country, and people who suffer from Carotid Artery Disease are at a higher risk. The disease causes a narrowing or blockages in the major arteries in your neck which supply the brain with blood.

Unfortunately, there may not be symptoms of Carotid Artery Disease. Some who suffer from the disease experience transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). These may last for a few minutes up to an hour and include:

• Weakness, numbness or tingling on one side of your body

• Being unable to control movement of an arm or a leg

• Loss of vision in one eye, much like a window shade coming down

• Inability to speak clearly

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of TIAs, it is important to visit a medical professional for diagnosis. Early detection is critical in treating carotid artery disease, and once diagnosed your doctor will develop the best treatment plan for your case.

To schedule an appointment with Kalamazoo’s leading vascular surgery team, contact us today!