UVA Health Introduces Minimally Invasive TCAR for Stroke Prevention at Prince William Medical Center

UVA Health Enhances Stroke Care with the Introduction of Minimally Invasive TCAR Procedure at Prince William Medical Center UVA Health is pioneering stroke prevention strategies by offering TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR), an innovative, minimally invasive technique that is changing the landscape of carotid artery disease treatment. This advanced procedure is now accessible at UVA Health's Prince William Medical Center. TCAR provides a safer, less invasive alternative to traditional carotid surgery, utilizing a hybrid approach and multidisciplinary expertise. "This method allows us to treat carotid artery blockages without extensive open surgery," explained M. Travis Chaney, MA BSN RN CNOR, senior director of perioperative services at UVA Health. "Unlike conventional surgery, which risks nerve injury near critical cranial nerves affecting the tongue, shoulder, voice box, and mouth corners, TCAR minimizes this risk to nearly zero." The procedure involves a small incision above the collarbone to access the carotid artery, where a tiny stent is inserted. A key safety feature is flow reversal: blood flow is temporarily redirected away from the brain through a closed-loo...