Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute achieves milestone for procedure that reduces risk of stroke

Genesis HealthCare System’s Vascular Surgery team recently completed its 200th TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) procedure. The second most of any hospital in Ohio. TCAR is a less-invasive method for treating carotid artery disease that occurs when plaque builds up in one or both neck arteries, potentially causing strokes. Michael Kunstmann, D.O., Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Vascular Surgeon, and Lane Lee, D.O., Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Vascular Surgeon, perform the TCAR procedure. 
 

Dr. Kunstmann said, “Our goal at Genesis is to offer the safest, most beneficial treatments. The TCAR procedure meets the standards for reducing the risk of stroke, the fifth leading cause of death in the United States.”

The TCAR procedure starts by making a small incision in the neck. Next, a tube is inserted into the carotid artery and connected to equipment to direct blood flow away from the brain temporarily. The blood is filtered before returning to a vein in the groin. The procedure reduces the risk of stroke, chances of complications, scarring and procedure time compared to carotid endarterectomy. Most patients return home the day after the procedure.

To learn more about heart and vascular care at Genesis, visit genesishcs.org/heart.