Pictured from left to right are Dr. Ankur Lodha; Joey Minvielle, RT(R) RCIS; Michele Castille, surgical scrub tech; Chris Theriot, RT; Dr. V. Antoine Keller; and Ellyse Atkins, RN.
LAFAYETTE – Dr. Ankur Lodha is the first interventional cardiologist at Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) in Lafayette to treat carotid artery disease and prevent future strokes using an innovative procedure called transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR). The procedure took place on June 15 in the catheterization laboratory at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center with the assistance of Dr. V. Antoine Keller, cardiovascular surgeon.
TCAR (tee-kahr) is minimally-invasive approach for high-risk patients who need carotid artery treatment. This option lowers 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 main 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.
“I am excited to offer this new option in Lafayette for patients with carotid artery disease,” said Dr. Lodha. “Because of its lower stroke risk and faster patient recovery, I believe TCAR is the future of carotid interventions and will greatly benefit our patients.”
The TCAR procedure was developed by Sunnyvale, California-based Silk Road Medical, Inc. Additional information about TCAR is available here.
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