Innovative procedure debuts
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North is performing TransCarotid Artery Revascularizations (TCAR), an innovative surgical procedure that is less-invasive for patients with carotid artery disease, according to a news release.
Carotid arteries are the blood vessels on the side of the neck. The disease happens when fatty, waxy buildups clog these arteries. The buildup can restrict blood flow to the brain.
Any repair of the carotid artery carries some stroke risk during the procedure itself. TCAR is specifically designed to help minimize stroke risk by keeping potential stroke particles away from the brain during the procedure.
TCAR is considered an excellent alternative to the carotid endarterectomy, another type of carotid artery surgery, the release says.
“TCAR is not as high risk for stroke; it is a newer platform for major surgery,” said Alicia Allen, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North manager of interventional services, in the release.
Dr. Brandt Jones, a vascular surgeon who performed the first several TCARs at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, points out other advantages in addition to a lesser chance of stroke.
“It can also prevent injury to nerves, complications related to post-surgical swelling and there is less of a risk for cardiovascular side effects,” Dr. Jones said, in the release.
“The surgery is also more cosmetically appealing. The incision is significantly smaller and that can make a big difference for some people.”
TCAR also can reduce the time required to perform the procedure and the amount of time a patient needs to spend recovering in the hospital.
Learn more about TCAR at tinyurl.com/2rrd76fh.
Crisis Center grant
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has been awarded a $50,000 grant from USAA to support community paramedicine and care coordination services for veterans in Tampa, according to a news release.
Veterans participating in the program can receive one-on-one support from a paramedic for ongoing medical issues, while also working with a care coordinator to get information for situational and behavioral health concerns.
The Crisis Center also operates the Florida Veterans Support Line, where veterans can receive support and links to community resources from a veteran peer.
“We are incredibly appreciative of USAA’s ongoing support of the Crisis Center’s mission. Over the years, they have provided funding for several programs within the Crisis Center. We are excited to see the impact that combining these two services could potentially have on veterans throughout our community,” said Clara Reynolds, president and CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, in the release.
Veterans and their family members interested in learning more about the program or about receiving help can call the support line at 1-844-MyFLVet (693-5838).
Resource list
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office has compiled community-based resources on its website to help serve its citizens, according to a news release.
Resources are available for a variety of challenges that citizens may encounter, including mental health issues, houselessness, suicidal thoughts, and more.
The list was developed to give those seeking assistance a place to start when they may not know how.
To see the resources, visit PascoSheriff.com/MentalHealth.html.
