Rules of engagement: The delicate dance between vascular surgeons, industrial partners, and patient outcomes

In 1953, Michael E. DeBakey performed the first carotid endarterectomy successfully. It would be almost 60  years until a new technique disrupted the carotid world with as much furor. In 2012, transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) burst onto the scene. With its minimally invasive, hybrid appeal and equivalency to carotid endarterectomy stroke risk, TCAR quickly won the hearts of many vascular sur geons. The update of TCAR technology was rapid, increasing dramatically at 15% annually, with a real jolt coming in 2016 when the Centers for Medicare& Medicaid Services allowed coverage for TCAR under the existing national coverage determination for percutaneous transluminal angioplasty when performed in patients with either symptomatic or asymptomatic carotid stenosis who have a high surgical risk.
Source: Journal of Vascular Surgery - Category: Surgery Authors: Tags: Invited commentary Source Type: research