San Antonio, TX – Methodist Hospital Specialty & Transplant was the first in San Antonio to successfully complete the 50th Transcarotid Artery Revascularization procedure (TCAR), which demonstrates an excellent advancement in Carotid Stenosis treatment. Carotid artery stenosis is a narrowing of the large arteries on either side of the neck. These arteries carry blood to the head, face and brain. This usually results in the build-up of plaque within the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Overtime, stenosis can worsen and lead to stroke. Performed by Patrick A. Hartsell, MD, the TCAR procedure reversed the direction of blood flow while he operated and the patient’s risk of stroke during the procedure was significantly lower.
While conventional surgery is an alternative option, TCAR has several additional advantages. Boulos Toursarkissian, MD, who has performed the majority of these procedures at the hospital, stated, “It is much less invasive, less painful, and saves time.” He also says the incision is much smaller which lessons recovery time. “Being the 50th, this milestone demonstrates the level of expertise and specialized skills of our team.”
Toursarkissian notes that not every patient is a candidate for this type of procedure. Patients must meet certain criteria and candidacy should be determined by their physician. Learn more about this service at Specialty and Transplant.