Ocala Regional Medical Center is offering a new procedure to prevent future strokes in high surgical risk patients who need carotid artery treatment.
The minimally invasive procedure, Trans Carotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR), is being used to treat carotid artery disease, 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 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 procedure called a carotid endarterectomy, which removes 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 the risk of surgical complications, including bleeding, infection, heart attack, etc.
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.
“TCAR is a less invasive and clinically proven alternative to surgery,” said Dr. Alberto Gonzalez, a general and vascular surgeon at Ocala Health. “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.”
Dr. Ravi Chandra, who also serves as a general and vascular surgeon at Ocala Health, agreed.
“In my practice, TCAR has shown to be truly beneficial to my patients,” Chandra said. “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.”
Ocala Health encompasses ORMC, a 256-bed facility located in the heart of Ocala; West Marion Community Hospital, a 174-bed hospital located in west Marion County; Summerfield ER, a freestanding emergency department located in southern Marion County; Maricamp ER, a freestanding emergency department located on Maricamp Road in Ocala; and the soon-to-be opened freestanding Trailwinds Village ER in Wildwood, just outside The Villages off County Road 466A.
Ocala Regional Medical Center is a Level II Trauma Center and a Comprehensive Stroke Center. The hospitals offer a host of other quality and award-winning services including orthopedic care and joint replacement, robotic surgery, cardiac and vascular services including open heart surgery and interventional procedures, emergency, neurological and rehabilitation services, and bariatric surgery.
Ocala Health has the only Commission on Cancer approved cancer center in Marion County. The healthcare organization’s outpatient facilities include Family Care Specialists, a primary care network of six locations throughout Marion County; Advanced Imaging Centers; a freestanding Wound and Hyperbaric Center; a Senior Wellness Community Center; and three surgical and physician specialty practices.