Chesterfield, MO, April 17, 2024 - St. Luke’s is thrilled to announce that Brian Peterson, MD, FACS, FSVS, vascular surgeon at St. Luke’s Heart and Vascular Institute, performed the world’s first, next generation, Trans Carotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) using the ENROUTE® Transcarotid Neuroprotection System PLUS device. Dr. Peterson is a renowned leader in TCAR, performing over 537 TCARs to date. TCAR is often used in the treatment of carotid artery disease, which occurs when fatty deposits, or plaques, block the blood vessels that deliver blood to the brain and head (carotid arteries). Approximately 30 percent of strokes are caused by blockages in the carotid artery. 

“TCAR has revolutionized the way we treat patients with carotid artery disease who are at risk for stroke,” said Dr. Brian Peterson. “The new ENROUTE® Transcarotid Neuroprotection System PLUS has dramatically improved the ease with which we gain access to the carotid artery, likely improving upon the already lowest risk of stroke in the surgical and endovascular treatment of carotid artery disease.  With over 500 TCAR procedures performed by our team, we view TCAR as the primary treatment option for carotid disease, and we are excited to be on the leading edge of this cutting-edge technology.”

TCAR combines direct carotid artery access with robust blood flow reversal, providing neuroprotection like open surgical techniques in a less invasive, more patient-friendly approach to treating carotid artery disease. During TCAR, the surgical team inserts a tube-like sheath into the carotid artery and connects it to the ENROUTE Neuroprotection System, which temporarily reverses blood flow. Unlike stenting performed through with wrist or groin artery, the system filters potentially dangerous debris from the blood to reduce intraprocedural stroke risk while the team uses a balloon and stent to open the artery and contain the carotid artery disease. TCAR delivers less than 1% periprocedural stroke rates (significantly lower than stenting through the wrist or groin artery) and a better patient recovery experience compared to open surgery.