The carotid artery, located in the neck, brings blood to the brain.  The carotid artery, like other arteries in the body, can develop plaque in its wall, causing the opening of the artery to become narrow and interfering with the flow of blood to the brain.  If a piece of plaque breaks free and travels to the brain, it can block blood flow through an artery and cause a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a mini-stroke.  

Englewood Hospital’s vascular surgeons offer the most up-to-date surgical procedures for treating carotid artery disease.  Our team members are experts at selecting the appropriate intervention for your condition.  

TCAR (Transcarotid Artery Revascularization)  

Our vascular surgeons are among the first in New Jersey to offer a new minimally invasive treatment called TCAR for carotid artery blockages in patients for whom open surgery is not an option.  

Angioplasty and Stenting  

In certain situations, surgeons will use this minimally invasive treatment to insert into the carotid artery a catheter with a balloon attached to it.  The balloon expands and presses the plaque against the artery wall, and a small metal tube (stent) is placed to keep the artery open and support the wall of the artery.  

Carotid Endarterectomy  

In this open surgery procedure, your vascular surgeon makes an incision in your neck and removes the plaque in the carotid artery to allow blood to flow normally.