Delray Beach, Fla. – July 17, 2018 – Dr. Joseph Ricotta, a vascular surgeon and endovascular therapy specialist at Tenet Florida Cardiovascular Care (TFCC), recently performed one of the first TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) surgeries in the State of Florida at Delray Medical Center’s new Endovascular Hybrid Operating Room Suite. Dr. Ricotta begins the TCAR procedure with a small incision above the clavicle to access the patient’s carotid artery. Then, Dr. Ricotta inserts a pliable sheath into the carotid artery and links it to a component which reverses blood flow away from the brain in an effort to avert, by use of filter, any clot forming plaque from traveling to the patient’s brain system. During the TCAR, Dr. Ricotta and his team filter the blood and then return it to the body via an additional sheath in the femoral vein of the patient’s thigh.

“Carotid artery disease is one of the leading causes of stroke. The plaque that builds up in the arteries can occlude blood flow to the brain,” Dr. Joseph Ricotta, Medical Director for Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy at Tenet Healthcare said.

As the TCAR procedure progresses and blood flow continues to be reversed, Dr. Ricotta uses a neuroprotection system during the TCAR to perform a balloon angioplasty and stenting, to open blood flow in veins. Once Dr. Ricotta places the stent in the artery to eliminate the plaque from the carotid artery, the reversal flow mechanism is turned off and blood flows freely to the brain into its intended path free from stroke inducing plaque.

“Before the development of the TCAR procedure the treatment options presented challenges of their own. The previous option, a carotid endarterectomy is quite invasive and can lead to complications in patients at risk for an open surgical procedure,” Dr. Ricotta said.

The TCAR procedure can be another option available for high surgical risk patients needing a carotid endarterectomy. The TCAR procedure gives vascular surgeons, like Dr. Ricotta, an alternative tool in their toolbox to clear harmful plaque from the carotid artery which could cause stroke.

“The TCAR procedure is a safer, faster, less invasive option. Patients have a much faster recovery with better outcomes,” Dr. Ricotta said.

About Palm Beach Health Network Physician Groups

Palm Beach Health Network Physician Groups (PBHNPG), a division of Tenet Healthcare Corporation, is a multi-specialty physician group that has provided care to the communities of Palm Beach, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties since 2007. PBHNPG physicians, including primary care, specialists and sub-specialists, have cared for over 719,000 patients across various medical and surgical specialties. Our award-winning physicians provide a level of expertise that has resulted in regional firsts and outstanding patient outcomes. PBHNPG physicians and staff are committed to delivering high quality care. Our mission is to improve the life of every person who enters our doors. Today, we are proud to be one of the largest and most respected physician networks in the area.

About Tenet Florida Cardiovascular Care

Tenet Florida Cardiovascular Care consists of a dedicated group of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and vascular surgeons specializing in transcatheter therapies as well as open surgical and endovascular treatment including robotic and minimally invasive surgery, to provide the most advanced, comprehensive care for patients with all types of cardiovascular conditions.

About Tenet Florida Heart & Vascular Network

The Tenet Heart & Vascular Network is a network of highly skilled cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and vascular surgeons using advanced heart and vascular care technology to provide exceptional patient care in Tenet Florida’s 10-hospital system and PBHNPG specialty physician groups across South Florida.

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Media: David DiPino, 561-212-4368
[email protected]