Stroke Awareness Month: New Procedure in Reno Offers Hope for Blocked Carotid Arteries

During Stroke Awareness Month, it’s important to know that stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States, but according to Doctor Mark Levin, in many cases, it’s preventable. Smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and family history are all modifiable risk factors.

But what happens when someone already has a blocked carotid artery, like patient David Lundahl? Despite having no family history of carotid artery disease, Lundahl had a blockage discovered during a routine check-up at St. Mary’s Hospital in Reno.

Dr. Levin decided that a procedure called TCAR would be best for Lundahl. TCAR is a safer way to deliver a carotid stint into the vessel and was initially designed to treat high-risk patients because it is a shorter procedure. Despite being scared at first, Lundahl’s procedure was successful, and he is grateful for the new hope that TCAR has brought to those suffering from carotid artery disease.

Credits: KOLOTV