The NJ Police Chief Magazine Volume 26, Number 8 | Page 16

The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | April 2020
Ask the Physician
My father has a blocked carotid artery, about 85%. His doctor says he needs the plaque cleared out of it,
but he’s considered too high risk for the regular procedure because of his age. Are there any other
options? I am so worried that he’s going to have a major stroke. – Louis, Paterson, NJ
Louis, I understand your concern.
Plaque that builds up in the carotid arteries can definitely lead to a stroke, and not being able to have an endarterec-
tomy can feel frustrating.
Fortunately there is a new surgical procedure that might help your dad – TransCarotid Artery Revascularization
(TCAR).
It was designed for high risk patients whose carotid arteries are blocked, and who can’t have traditional surgery. In
this highly-specialized procedure, a vascular surgeon will insert a tube into the carotid artery, and reverse the blood
flow from the brain. During this process any loose plaque is captured and filtered out. Then the carotid is cleared of
plaque by placing a stent, after which the blood flow to the brain is reversed again.
Although this is an advanced technique, it is minimally-invasive and has excellent outcomes. Most patients go home
the next day. It’s great that we now have a new tool to tackle this problem, helping prevent strokes in many more
patients.
Kane Chang, MD
Chief, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Deborah Heart and Lung Center
For an appointment or more information about
Deborah Heart and Lung Center’s services:
855-646-3484 or request an appointment at www.DemandDeborah.org.
14