Having Transcarotid Artery Revascularization

Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) is a type of treatment for carotid artery disease. This disease is when a wax-like substance called plaque builds up in a carotid artery in your neck. The plaque causes the artery to narrow, reducing blood flow to your neck, head, and brain. This can lead to a stroke. TCAR helps prevent a stroke by unblocking the artery.

During TCAR, your healthcare provider makes a small cut in your neck, just above the collarbone, to reach the blocked artery. Your provider cleans out any plaque. They may also place a small mesh tube (stent) in the artery. The stent helps keep the artery open.

TCAR is a lot like carotid angioplasty and stenting. But it may have a lower risk for stroke during and after it. That’s because a special device is used during TCAR to reverse blood flow away from the brain. The device also filters the blood for plaque before it goes back into the body. These steps may make it less likely for a blood clot to form in the brain and cause a stroke.

Why is TCAR done?

TCAR is done to treat carotid artery disease. It’s often done in people who can’t have open surgery due to age or other health problems.

What happens before TCAR?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your health. They will also give you a physical exam. You may also need some tests, such as blood work and imaging tests.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take. That includes prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements. You may need to start taking certain medicines before TCAR. These include aspirin, a blood thinner, or a statin.

You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for a certain time before the procedure.

What happens during TCAR?

TCAR is done in a hospital. During the procedure:

• You are given medicine to help you relax and not feel pain.

• Your healthcare provider makes a small cut in your neck, just above your collarbone, to reach the blocked artery.

• Your healthcare provider puts a tube into the artery. This tube is attached to the special device.

• Your healthcare provider makes another small cut in your upper leg to reach your femoral artery. A second tube is put into this artery. Both tubes are then connected to the device.

• Your healthcare provider turns the special device on. The tube in your carotid artery draws blood away from your brain. The blood is filtered in the device and then put back into your body through the tube in your upper leg.

• While the device is on, your healthcare provider cleans out your artery. They may also put in a stent. Ultrasound or other imaging help your provider see as they work.

• Once your artery is clear, your healthcare provider turns off the device. Blood flow to your brain returns to normal.

• Your provider removes the tubes. They close up the cut in your neck and leg.

What happens after TCAR?

After TCAR, you’ll be taken to a recovery room. Healthcare providers will closely watch your heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. Most people who have TCAR can go home after 1 day in the hospital.

When at home, follow all care instructions from your healthcare provider. You will have to limit your activity for about a week. You will also be given medicine to prevent blood clots.

You may also need to make some lifestyle changes to help prevent your carotid artery disease from getting worse. These may include:

• Exercising more

• Eating healthier foods

• Stopping smoking, if needed

• Losing weight, if needed

• Limiting stress

Keep all follow-up visits with your healthcare provider to make sure you are healing well. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.

Risks of TCAR

All procedures have risks. The risks of TCAR include:

• Infection

• Bleeding

• Stroke

• Heart attack

• Injury to the artery or a cranial nerve

• Problems around the cut in your neck, such as bruising, bleeding, and swelling

• Failure of the stent

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following:

• Swollen neck

• Redness or fluid coming from the wound

• Trouble speaking, swallowing, or breathing

• Fever of °F ( °C) or higher, or as advised by your provider