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For Reynold TCAR Was the Answer

December 19, 2021

Reynold, who had a blocked carotid artery

When Reynold’s doctor noticed something was wrong with his carotid artery, he immediately made a referral.

“He told me, ‘I’m sending you to the best doctor I know, Dr. O’Donnell,’” said Reynold.

“Reynold had a blockage in the artery going to his brain,” said Sean O’Donnell, MD, Medical Director, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, at Memorial Cardiac and Vascular Institute.

“He had not had a stroke … yet,” he added.

Due to Reynold’s overall health, the traditional method of removing plaques causing the blockage was ruled out.

Dr. O’Donnell and his team performed transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR), in which a small incision is made at the base of the neck to access the artery.

Blood flow is temporarily rerouted and filtered to remove plaque, then a stent is placed in the artery.

“The next morning, I feel like a brand-new guy,” said Reynold.

“It was amazing how quick he was able to come back,” said his daughter, Maria.

“We are blessed,” she added.

Reynold’s Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) Story

Reynold was a candidate for TCAR, a minimally invasive procedure performed by Sean O’Donnell, MD, to unblock his artery. Watch his story.