December 18, 2024
NEW IBERIA, LA – Dr. Krishna Nagendran, interventional cardiologist at Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS), and Dr. Kurt O’Brien, general surgeon at New Iberia Surgery Center, are the first in New Iberia to use an innovative procedure called transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) to treat carotid artery disease (CAD) and prevent future strokes. The procedure was performed on Monday, December 16 at Iberia Medical Center.
TCAR (tee-kahr) is minimally-invasive approach that is designed to treat carotid artery disease, when plaque builds up on the inner walls of the arteries in the neck leading to potential blockages. This procedure lowers both stroke and heart attack risk both during and after the procedure, lessens chance of nerve injury, and reduces procedure and recovery time so that patients can return home sooner. TCAR is unique in that the patient’s blood flow is temporarily reversed during the procedure so that any small bits of plaque that may break off are diverted away from the brain, preventing a stroke. A stent is then placed inside the artery to stabilize the plaque, minimizing the risk of a future stroke.
Prior to TCAR, the traditional treatment option for severe carotid artery disease was an open surgical procedure called carotid endarterectomy (CEA). CEA removes plaque from inside the carotid artery to restore normal blood flow to the brain, but the large incision leaves a visible scar the length of the neck and carries risks of surgical complications, including bleeding, infection, heart attack and cranial nerve injuries that can cause issues with swallowing, speaking and sensation in the face.
“This minimally-invasive procedure allows us to treat patients with severe carotid artery disease as a great alternative to conventional surgery,” explained Dr. Nagendran. “With lower stroke risk and a quicker recovery, patients can greatly benefit from this treatment option that we are now proud to offer at Iberia Medical Center.”
Dr. O’Brien said, “Bringing advanced technologies like TCAR to our community ensures that patients have access to cutting-edge care close to home. It not only improves outcomes for high-risk individuals but also demonstrates our commitment to staying at the forefront of medical innovation, providing the safest and most effective treatments available.”
To learn more about TCAR, or if you think you may have carotid artery disease, schedule a visit with a CIS cardiologist below.
Request an appointment today with a CIS cardiologist.