On a recent day in the cardiovascular hybrid suite at HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital, teams from the radiology and surgery departments worked in unison. They moved efficiently performing a trans carotid artery revascularization or TCAR procedure. Watching from the operating table was patient, Fred Haskell. “I watched it all on the big monitor. I was amazed, it was quite a team,” said Haskell as he recovered at home just a day later. Haskell previously had cancer and then a stroke in January. He says his carotid artery was also completely blocked on the right side. His vascular surgeon knew Haskell would be an ideal candidate for this procedure. “For patients that have had radiation previously, this is a much safer procedure. The technique has been around for several years and the results are good short term and long term,” said Steven Silverman, M.D. Surgeons at both HCA Florida Blake Hospital and HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital are now performing the TCAR procedure. By expanding this treatment in Sarasota and Manatee counties more patients can benefit and reduce their risks of having a stroke. During this surgery, a small incision is made on the patient’s neck, just above the collarbone. In traditional open surgery, the incision is much larger. TCAR is also unique because it temporarily reverses the patient’s blood flow, so that any plaque that may break off during the procedure is diverted away from the brain, preventing a stroke. A stent is then placed inside the carotid artery to stabilize the plaque, minimizing the risk of a future stroke. The blood flow is then returned to normal and the system is removed. The entire process takes about an hour. Because the procedure is less invasive, there are fewer risks of complications, and patients can recover and go home faster. For the patient, Fred Haskell, it means being back home in his comfortable bed and looking forward to spending time at the beach again, “I am comfortable and very happy, and I can’t express how grateful I am,” said Haskell.