Removing plaque buildup in the carotid arteries typically required open surgery — a carotid endarterectomy. Now, Norton Heart & Vascular Institute physicians use the TCAR procedure to help reduce risk of complications.

Published: September 26, 2018 | Updated: December 6, 2021

Now, a minimally invasive surgical approach to treat carotid artery disease can speed recovery, lower risks and help prevent future strokes.

Norton Heart & Vascular Institute physicians are using an innovative procedure called transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR). This procedure can be safer for individuals who need plaque buildup removed from their carotid arteries.

The carotid arteries are the two main arteries in the neck, supplying oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Like the arteries near the heart, the carotid arteries can build up with plaque. If left untreated, the buildup leads to carotid artery disease, which puts you at risk for stroke.

Up to one-third of all strokes are caused by plaque buildup in the carotid arteries. A stroke can occur when plaque breaks loose from the artery and travels to the brain, blocking blood flow to the brain. This can lead to disabilities such as paralysis on one or both sides of the body, a change in speech or brain function, and even death.

“In the U.S., about 400,000 new diagnoses of carotid artery disease are discovered every year,” said Ferenc P. Nagy, M.D., vascular surgeon with Norton Heart & Vascular Institute. “TCAR is an important new option in the fight against stroke. It is particularly suited for a significant number of patients who are at higher risk of complications from traditional carotid surgery. Age, anatomy or other medical conditions can add to their risk.”

TCAR helps prevent strokes and many patients recover faster with fewer complications

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. The large incision leaves a visible scar on the neck and carries risks of surgical complications, including bleeding, infection, heart attack and cranial nerve injuries. Nerve damage can cause issues with swallowing, speaking and sensation in the face.

The unique difference with a TCAR procedure is that blood flow is cycled through a filter to catch any small bits of plaque that may break away. This diverts the plaque fragments away from the brain, preventing a stroke during the procedure. A stent is then placed inside the artery to stabilize the plaque buildup and help prevent it from breaking off or clogging the artery, further minimizing the risk of stroke.

“TCAR reduces many of the possible surgical complications that come with CEA, as well as decreases recovery time for many patients,” said Stephen B. Self, M.D., vascular surgeon with Norton Heart & Vascular Institute.

Drs. Nagy and Self joined Norton Heart & Vascular Institute in summer 2018 and are part of Norton Vascular Surgery. The Norton Vascular Surgery team of seven board-certified vascular surgeons sees patients in 10 locations in Louisville and across the region, including Carrollton, Greensburg, Leitchfield and Shelbyville, Kentucky, and in Corydon, Indiana. The vascular surgeons and endovascular neurosurgeons with Norton Neuroscience Institute have been using the TCAR technique since early 2018.