TCAR is a less invasive way to prevent stroke and treat Carotid Artery Disease.

Ali Kimyaghalam, MD, Vascular Surgeon, at Trumbull Regional and Sharon Regional Medical Center, completed the first Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) in Trumbull County. The TCAR procedure is now available at Trumbull Regional Medical Center.

TCAR is a clinically proven, minimally invasive procedure that treats Carotid Artery Disease, which is the narrowing of blood vessels in the neck caused by a buildup in plaque. These blood vessels carry blood from the heart to the brain and when they are blocked can cause a stroke. Stroke is the number five leading cause of death and leading cause of disability in the United States.

TCAR is a unique procedure in that blood flow is temporarily reversed during the procedure, so that any bits of plaque that may break off are diverted away from the brain. The standard treatment option for advanced Carotid Artery Disease is a Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA), which uses an open surgical approach. CEA involves a large surgical incision on the neck and as a result has an associated risk of cranial nerve damage that can result in difficulty swallowing and speaking, but because TCAR is less invasive and just as effective in preventing stroke and treating Carotid Artery Disease, there are less risks associated with the procedure.

“Patients now have the option to have the TCAR procedure done locally” said Dr. Ali Kimyaghalam. “Before I offered the procedure at Trumbull Regional Medical Center, patients had to travel to have this done. I am proud to be able to offer it locally, so patients can get the advanced, high-quality vascular care they need, close to home.”  

Both Trumbull Regional and Sharon Regional Medical Center offer advanced care for aortic conditions, Carotid Artery Disease, and Peripheral Vascular Disease. Trumbull Regional is a TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) Center of Excellence.

Dr. Kimyaghalam is accepting new patients at Steward Heart and Vascular, Trumbull located at 1353 E. Market Street, Suite 301 in Warren. To schedule an appointment, call 330-841-9020.

For more information on vascular services offered at Trumbull Regional Medical Center, visit trumbullregional.org and at Sharon Regional Medical Center, visit sharonregionalmedical.org.