The UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital Vascular Surgery Clinic has been named a TCAR Center of Excellence by Silk Road Medical, for the high quality of its care team and patient outcomes for transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) to treat carotid artery stenosis.
Silk Road Medical is the only company to manufacture an FDA-approved flow reversal device to reduce the stroke risk for a carotid stent by 66%. As such, they developed the recognition program and the procedure, a minimally invasive approach for treating carotid artery disease — or plaque buildup in main arteries of the neck. The condition significantly increases the risk of stroke, when a blockage restricts blood flow leading to particles showering into the brain that may cause a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or, worse, a stroke.
Severe carotid artery disease can be treated with surgery or stenting. TCAR adds additional stroke protection during the procedure. It involves temporarily reversing blood flow so dislodged plaque pieces travel away from the brain. A stent is then placed in the artery to stabilize plaque and minimize the likelihood of a future stroke.
The TCAR program at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital is led by Donald Jacobs, MD chief of vascular surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and director of the vascular clinic.
The UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital Vascular Surgery Group is dedicated to providing comprehensive and state-of-the-art care for all blood vessel conditions, from carotid disease, to aortic disease in the chest and abdomen, to arterial and vein disease in the arms and legs.
Referrals for carotid disease potentially treatable with TCAR and any other vascular condition can be directed as follows:
- Anschutz Medical Center:
Drs. Jacobs, R. Malgor, Wohlauer, Yi and Zarkowsky - 1-800-VASCULA - Highlands Ranch Hospital:
Dr. E. Malgor 720-516-3064 - Broomfield Hospital:
Dr. Zarkowsky 720-705-0682 - Long’s Peak Hospital:
Dr. Zarkowsky 720-705-0682
February 20, 2024