Michael Dunn expected to hear that he needed major surgery after doctors detected plaque buildup in his right carotid artery.
He was diagnosed with carotid artery disease, a form of atherosclerosis, or a buildup of plaque, in the main arteries in the neck that supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain. If left untreated, the buildup could lead to a stroke.
But instead of making a long cut into his neck to remove the plaque, the UC Davis Health medical team recommended Dunn undergo a better procedure called TCAR, short for transcarotid artery revascularization. This minimally invasive option clears plaque and helps prevent patients from having a stroke.
"The doctor clearly explained the procedure and why I needed it," recalled Dunn. "It sounded much easier than a major surgical procedure, and the recovery would be much faster."
What is TCAR?
During a TCAR procedure, a tube is inserted through a small incision in the neck and into the carotid artery. The tube also connects to a system temporarily directing blood flow away from the brain. This way, the brain is protected from any dangerous debris, which can cause a stroke during the procedure. Surgeons filter the blood before returning it to a vein in the groin, and a stent is implanted in the carotid artery to stabilize plaque and further prevent strokes.
Before TCAR, the main treatment option for carotid artery disease was carotid endarterectomy (CEA), an open surgical procedure. 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. It also 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.
"TCAR is an important option in the fight against stroke and is less invasive than open surgery," explained Misty D. Humphries, the UC Davis Health interim chief of vascular surgery. "The procedure also takes less than half the time of a carotid endarterectomy — limiting the stress on the heart and significantly cutting the risk of the patient having a stroke or heart attack during the procedure."
"We are proud to offer this minimally invasive procedure as part of our commitment to improving patient outcomes and streamlining care at UC Davis Health."-Misty D. Humphries
A fast recovery
Two days after undergoing his TCAR, Dunn was discharged and went home.
Dunn is much healthier and happier now, thanks to the TCAR.
Before the procedure, he battled stints of dizziness and constant, nagging headaches — including ocular migraines that were only resolved by laying in a quiet, dark room for hours.
"It has been over two years since my TCAR procedure and I have not experienced any dizzy spells or headaches since then," shared Dunn. "The quality of my life has greatly improved — the difference feels like night and day."
UC Davis Health has performed over 200 TCAR procedures since 2019, the most of any hospital in the Sacramento region, and has been named a TCAR Center of Excellence for the high quality of its care team and patient outcomes for TCAR procedures.
"We are proud to offer this minimally invasive procedure as part of our commitment to improving patient outcomes and streamlining care at UC Davis Health," added Humphries. "Our vascular surgery team is among the best and most comprehensive in the nation. Our mission of providing complete, efficient and high-quality care to the patients we care for drives us to lead the field."
