Carotid Artery Disease occurs when the carotid arteries, located on either side of the neck, become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup, reducing blood flow to the brain. This condition can significantly increase the risk of stroke, particularly when left untreated or undiagnosed. At New Jersey Endovascular Therapeutics, we provide comprehensive evaluation and advanced treatment options designed to help restore healthy blood flow and reduce the risk of serious complications.
Understanding the Signs and Risk Factors
Many patients with Carotid Artery Disease may not experience symptoms until circulation becomes severely restricted or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a “mini-stroke,” occurs. Warning signs may include sudden weakness, numbness, dizziness, speech difficulties, temporary vision loss, or facial drooping. Risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, elevated cholesterol, and a history of vascular disease may increase the likelihood of developing carotid artery narrowing. Early diagnosis plays an important role in preventing stroke and protecting long-term vascular health.
Advanced Diagnostic and Treatment Options
At NJET, our vascular specialists utilize advanced imaging and ultrasound technology to evaluate blood flow through the carotid arteries and determine the severity of disease. Treatment plans are carefully tailored to each patient’s condition and overall health needs, and may include medical management, lifestyle modifications, minimally invasive carotid artery stenting, or surgical carotid endarterectomy to remove plaque buildup. Our expertise in both open and endovascular procedures allows us to provide highly personalized treatment focused on achieving safe and durable outcomes.
Focused on Stroke Prevention and Long-Term Health
Managing Carotid Artery Disease involves more than treating narrowed arteries alone. Our team works closely with patients to address underlying cardiovascular risk factors while providing ongoing vascular surveillance and follow-up care to monitor circulation over time. Through comprehensive treatment, education, and preventive care, we help patients reduce stroke risk, maintain vascular wellness, and support long-term quality of life.
TCAR (TransCarotid Artery Revascularization)
A Less Invasive Approach to Stroke Prevention
TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) is an advanced, minimally invasive procedure designed to treat carotid artery disease and help reduce the risk of stroke. TCAR combines the durability of carotid stenting with a unique neuroprotection system that temporarily reverses blood flow away from the brain during the procedure, helping capture plaque and debris before they can travel to the brain.
For patients with significant carotid artery narrowing, TCAR offers an effective alternative to traditional open surgery while providing excellent stroke prevention outcomes and a quicker recovery.
What Is Carotid Artery Disease?
The carotid arteries are the major blood vessels that deliver oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Over time, plaque made up of cholesterol, calcium, and other substances can build up inside these arteries, causing them to narrow. This condition, known as carotid artery disease, can reduce blood flow to the brain and increase the risk of stroke.
Many patients experience no symptoms until a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurs, making early detection and treatment especially important.
Who May Benefit from TCAR?
TCAR may be recommended for patients with significant carotid artery narrowing, particularly those who may be at higher risk for complications from traditional surgery.
You may be a candidate for TCAR if you have:
- Carotid artery disease requiring treatment
- A history of smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Advanced age
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Other cardiovascular conditions
- A prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
A comprehensive vascular evaluation and carotid ultrasound can help determine the most appropriate treatment option for your condition.
How Does TCAR Work?
Unlike traditional carotid surgery, TCAR is performed through a small incision at the neckline. During the procedure:
- A small access point is created directly into the carotid artery.
- A specialized neuroprotection system temporarily reverses blood flow away from the brain.
- Blood passes through an external filter that captures plaque and debris.
- A stent is placed inside the carotid artery to restore healthy blood flow.
- Normal blood flow is safely restored once treatment is complete.
This innovative approach helps protect the brain throughout the procedure while effectively treating the blockage.
Benefits of TCAR
TCAR offers several advantages compared to traditional carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and transfemoral carotid artery stenting (TFCAS), including:
- Minimally invasive treatment through a small incision
- Reduced risk of stroke during the procedure
- Less manipulation of the aortic arch
- Lower risk of cranial nerve injury
- Shorter recovery times
- Less postoperative discomfort
- Shorter hospital stays
- Excellent long-term outcomes
Because the procedure avoids navigating catheters through the aortic arch, it may reduce the risk of dislodging plaque and causing embolization.
Recovery After TCAR
Most patients experience a relatively quick recovery following TCAR. Many return home within a day of treatment and can resume normal activities shortly thereafter, depending on their physician’s recommendations.
Our team provides ongoing monitoring and follow-up care to ensure optimal results and long-term stroke prevention.
Carotid Endarterectomy
During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the neck, opens the affected artery, removes the plaque, and repairs the artery to restore normal blood flow. The operation is typically performed under general anesthesia and most patients spend one night in the hospital and return to normal activities within a few days.
Carotid endarterectomy may be recommended for people with significant carotid artery narrowing, especially those who have experienced symptoms such as a stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or temporary vision loss.
Your healthcare provider can determine whether carotid endarterectomy is an appropriate treatment option based on your individual condition and risk factors.
