MMC Chief of Vascular Surgery Randy Shafritz, M.D., is shown in the MMC OR after performing the hospital’s first TCAR procedure.
Long Branch, NJ, January 4, 2024 – Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) vascular surgeons have introduced a less invasive approach for treating carotid artery disease that has been proven to have a similar risk profile compared to conventional surgery and an easier recovery.
Atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries is a major risk factor for stroke, and conventional carotid surgery to reduce stroke risk is still a widespread and successful procedure. Over the past three years, it has become evident that an alternative to conventional surgery, namely, placement of a carotid stent through direct access to the carotid artery in the neck, is an acceptable alternative.
Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) is a patient-friendly endovascular procedure that allows placement of a stent into the diseased carotid artery via a small incision at the base of the neck. TCAR utilizes a system that temporarily reverses blood flow away from the brain, collecting any potential debris in a device filter during placement of the stent, and then returning the blood to the patient through a vein in the groin.
With reverse flow neuroprotection established, a stent can be implanted in the lesion for long-term plaque stabilization and stroke prevention. The risk of stroke during the procedure is minimal, access to the artery is via a tiny incision in the neck rather than a long one, and long-term results of stenting mirror outcomes for traditional surgery.
MMC Chief of Vascular Surgery, Randy Shafritz, M.D., who performed the hospital’s first TCAR procedure in December, along with his vascular surgery colleague Adam Sagarwala, D.O., explains that the treatment is well suited for patients with acceptable anatomy, and can be offered to patients who are at higher risk of surgical complications due to age, medical co-morbidities, or anatomical issues.
“The benefits of a less invasive approach to treating Carotid Artery Disease include exceptional stroke prevention, even in high surgical risk patients, less risk of post-procedure heart attack (MI) and nerve damage, a significant reduction in operative time, and an easier recovery,” he says.
Dr. Shafritz and Dr. Sagarwala are part of the Monmouth Heart and Vascular Group, a RWJBarnabas Health cardiovascular practice that provides a wide range of therapies to treat a vast scope of vascular conditions. The practice has a multidisciplinary team that works collaboratively to determine individualized treatment plans for each patient. Monmouth’s vascular specialists offer expertise in the combined use of endovascular and open surgical techniques in treating patients with abdominal/thoracic aortic aneurysms (AAA, TAA), carotid arterial disease, mesenteric arterial/venous vascular disease, peripheral artery disease (PAD), advanced renal disease (including comprehensive hemodialysis access procedures and maintenance), venous insufficiency, venous outlet obstruction, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and varicose veins.
Monmouth Heart and Vascular, located in Eatontown, is designated as an Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) Accredited Vein Center and Non-Invasive Vascular Lab. A wide variety of non-invasive testing is offered in the office for both heart disease and other vascular conditions. To learn more about the center, call 732-440-7336.
CONTACT: Kathy Horan
(732) 546-6317
Kathy.Horan@rwjbh.org