Trans Carotid Artery Revascularization

TCAR Procedure Now Offered in Centre County

Have you been diagnosed with carotid artery disease?
TCAR may be an option for you.

Carotid Stenosis, commonly known as Carotid Artery Disease, is a narrowing of the two major arteries that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the brain. When plaque builds up inside the artery walls, blood flow is reduced to the brain, increasing the risk of stroke. Fortunately, those with the disease now have a new highly effective option called Trans Carotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR), which is now being performed in Centre County by Penn State Health physicians.

Dr. Simoni with his TCAR team showcasing their first TCAR performance for the region

TCAR Procedure Now Offered in Centre County

Have you been diagnosed with carotid artery disease?
TCAR may be an option for you.

Carotid Stenosis, commonly known as Carotid Artery Disease, is a narrowing of the two major arteries that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the brain. When plaque builds up inside the artery walls, blood flow is reduced to the brain, increasing the risk of stroke. Fortunately, those with the disease now have a new highly effective option called Trans Carotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR), which is now being performed in Centre County by Penn State Health physicians.

Dr. Simoni with his TCAR team showcasing their first TCAR performance for the region

What is TCAR?

Panel A: Illustration close-up of the first step in TCAR - a minor incision made near the collarbone to place a stent in the artery.

TCAR is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to make a minor incision near the collarbone to place a stent in the artery.

Panel B: Illustration xray of an artery: the stent opens the blockage.

The stent opens the blockage, allowing for better blood flow.

Panel C: Blood flow is reversed. Blood flows through the filter system. Blood is returned to the patient.

During the procedure, arterial blood flow is temporarily rerouted so that it circulates through a filter. The filter prevents any plaque or debris that breaks free during the procedure from flowing to the brain where it could cause a stroke.

TCAR Benefits:

Checkmark

 Less post-
 operative pain
 and scarring

 Checkmark  Less risk of
 post-procedure
 heart attack
Checkmark  Less time under
 anesthesia
 Checkmark  Less risk of
 nerve injury
Checkmark  Exceptional stroke
 prevention 
Checkmark  Faster
 recovery time

TCAR Eligibility
• Patients with narrowing of the artery greater than 50
  percent (with symptoms)
• Patients with narrowing of the artery greater than 75
  percent (without symptoms)
    - Age 60 or older and suffer from congestive heart
      failure or unstable angina
    - Patients that experienced a recent heart attack or
      stroke
    - Patients with restenosis (carotid stenosis that returns
      after surgery) or stenosis in both carotid arterites
    - Patients with obesity, uncontrolled diabetes or
      pulmonary disease and have carotid artery disease

TCAR Benefits:

Checkmark

 Less post-operative
 pain and scarring

 Checkmark  Less risk of post-
 procedure heart
 attack
Checkmark  Less time under
 anesthesia
 Checkmark  Less risk of nerve
 injury
Checkmark  Exceptional stroke
 prevention 
Checkmark  Faster recovery time

TCAR Eligibility
• Patients with narrowing of the artery greater than 50 percent
  (with symptoms)
• Patients with narrowing of the artery greater than 75 percent
  (without symptoms)
    - Age 60 or older and suffer from congestive heart failure or
      unstable angina
    - Patients that experienced a recent heart attack or stroke
    - Patients with restenosis (carotid stenosis that returns after
      surgery) or stenosis in both carotid arterites
    - Patients with obesity, uncontrolled diabetes or pulmonary
      disease and have carotid artery disease

Penn State Health – Benner Pike
Heart and Vascular

303 Benner Pike, Suite I State College, PA 16801