Vascular Associates of South Alabama performs TCAR procedures in the Fairhope, AL, area. We provide the Alabama Gulf Coast, including Baldwin County's Eastern Shore, with innovative healthcare on the cutting edge of medical science. Among the many vascular procedures and services we perform for our patients, we offer state-of-the-art transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) procedures.
If you know or even just suspect that you require a TCAR procedure, you can visit us for consultation at one of our several convenient office locations on the Gulf Coast— including one right here in Fairhope, Alabama. Call to schedule an appointment!
TCAR Procedures on the Baldwin County Eastern Shore
What Does a TCAR Procedure Involve?
"TCAR"— short for "transcarotid artery revascularization"— is a treatment for carotid artery disease. A TCAR procedure is a minimally invasive surgery. This modern innovation is highly effective at preventing strokes that might otherwise result from plaque build-up in the carotid artery.
Only a small incision at the neckline is necessary to perform a TCAR procedure. Revolutionary technology makes it possible for the surgeon to reverse a patient's blood-flow direction temporarily, just long enough to complete the procedure.
Why would reversing blood-flow be necessary? During surgery, bits of plaque can break loose, leaving them free to travel via the blood through the patient's body. If these tiny pieces of plaque were to find their way to the patient's brain, a stroke could result. However, temporarily reversing the flow of blood allows the surgical team to filter and remove any loosened plaque from the blood before they allow the blood-flow to resume its usual direction. For this reason, TCAR procedures offer superior protection from strokes during carotid interventions.
The purpose of the TCAR procedure is to allow the surgeon to place a stent in the patient's artery. This stent acts to stabilize the existing plaque in the carotid artery. With the stent securely in place, the stabilized plaque is no longer able to break loose and potentially cause a stroke, at some point in the future.
Benefits of TCAR Procedures
There are several reasons why vascular surgeons may recommend a TCAR procedure, including the following:
- TCAR is lifesaving.
The risk of heart attack or stroke during and after a carotid intervention is dramatically reduced with a TCAR procedure, compared to traditional surgical procedures.
- A smaller incision is necessary.
Compared to traditional surgical options, the TCAR procedure requires a smaller incision, which will heal more quickly band be less likely to cause permanent nerve damage.
- TCAR offers speedy recovery.
Typically, a patient will spend just one night in the hospital after a TCAR procedure. The patient will take medication to prevent blood clots and will require periodic monitoring after the procedure, but recovery time is usually very brief.
TCAR and Stroke Prevention in Fairhope, Alabama
Vascular Associates of South Alabama would like to extend our services to Fairhope and neighboring communities. If you need a TCAR procedure or other vascular care, including stroke prevention, we can offer help. Our offices across coastal Alabama and Mississippi provide comprehensive vascular care. We're pleased to welcome new patients, so please don't hesitate to give us a call if you have any concerns about your vascular health!
Call us to schedule an appointment, or you can get in touch by contacting us online. We accept most major medical insurance plans, for your convenience.