Michael Gnat (pictured above) needed a heart bypass operation. However, during pre-operation testing it was discovered that his left carotid artery was almost completely blocked.
Before Michael could go through with his surgery, the artery would need to be unblocked. This was because his right carotid artery had been blocked since he battled cancer in 2001 and was not an option.
Carotid artery disease is the buildup of fatty deposits of plaque in the carotid arteries. Individuals who have been diagnosed with this condition are at a much greater risk for strokes and medical emergencies due to a lack of blood supply to the brain.
Michael met with Mark Scaife, MD, a vascular surgeon with Vascular Surgery Associates, who recommended the transcarotid artery revascularization procedure. Also known as TCAR, this procedure is an innovative, minimally invasive treatment option for patients suffering from carotid artery disease. Benefits of the TCAR procedure include reduced risk of stroke, minimal incisions and scarring, shortened procedure time and reduced recovery time, compared to more traditional treatment options.
“Dr. Scaife made me feel at ease and explained the TCAR procedure to me,” Michael says. “I was impressed, and we set up a surgical date.”
Michael had the TCAR procedure in August of 2021 at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital.
“The operation went super easy, and the recovery time took no time at all,” Michael adds.
His recovery consisted of a few home visits along with some office visits to rule out any additional blockages. Michael has remained clear all this time.
Thanks to the quick work of Dr. Scaife, Michael was able to have his heart bypass operation later that year in October of 2021. Today, he’s back to walking 10,000 steps a day, going to the gym a few times a week and has lost 20 pounds.
“I cannot recommend the TCAR procedure more highly as it is very non-invasive getting you back to your life in the fastest amount of time with excellent results,” Michael says. “My time with Dr. Scaife and Bon Secours has been nothing but outstanding and cannot think of a better team when having a medical procedure. I will always be eternally grateful for their professionalism and caring nature they have shown.”
Some symptoms of carotid artery disease include weakness or tingling in the extremities on one side of the body, trouble swallowing, loss of eyesight, dizziness or unexplained slurred speech. Please seek medical care right away if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
Learn more about the heart and vascular services we provide at Bon Secours.
