Baptist Health Paducah completes 300th TCAR procedure
PADUCAH, KY (May 29, 2024) - Baptist Health Medical Group vascular surgeon, Griffin Bicking, DO, has successfully completed his 300th transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) procedure. TCAR is a minimally invasive treatment for carotid artery disease that works to prevent future strokes and offers patients a less invasive surgery with quicker recovery times.
Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. Carotid artery disease is a form of atherosclerosis, or a build-up of plaque, in the two main arteries in the neck that supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain. If left untreated, carotid artery disease can often lead to stroke. With up to a third of strokes caused by carotid artery disease, Baptist Health Paducah offers patients minimally invasive options such as TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) to prevent future strokes with a faster recovery time and an increased chance of being discharged to home.
“I am passionate about providing my patient’s the newest technologies that allow for the best patient outcomes,” said Dr. Bicking. “Our TCAR utilization and patient outcomes rank among the top 1% nationally. We have established 100% technical success rate after completing 300 TCAR cases. My team’s commitment to our community not only offers them the best in stroke prevention, but also individual impact with each patient and their families.”
During the TCAR procedure, blood flow is temporarily reversed, diverting any potential plaque fragments away from the brain and reducing the risk of stroke. A stent is then placed inside the artery to stabilize the plaque, further minimizing the chances of future strokes.
In 2022, Baptist Health Paducah became the first hospital in the region to perform this innovative procedure. Prior to TCAR, the primary treatment option for severe carotid artery disease was carotid endarterectomy (CEA), an open surgical procedure. However, CEA carries the risk of surgical complications, including bleeding, infection, heart attack, and cranial nerve injuries that can affect swallowing, speaking, and facial sensation.
For more information about the TCAR procedure, call 270.415.4802 or talk to your primary care provider to see if you are a candidate for the procedure.