Independence Health System’s Butler Memorial Hospital Marks Milestone with 100th TCAR Procedure to Treat Carotid Artery Disease

BUTLER, Pa., Sept. 18, 2025 — Independence Health System’s Butler Memorial Hospital has reached a significant milestone, completing its 100^th transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) procedure. The hospital’s vascular surgery team uses the FDA-approved ENROUTE™ transcarotid neuroprotection and stent system — the first device specifically designed for TCAR — to treat carotid artery disease and help prevent strokes. 

TCAR is a clinically proven, minimally invasive alternative to traditional carotid artery treatments. The procedure reverses blood flow during stenting, diverting potential plaque debris away from the brain and significantly reducing the risk of stroke. The ENROUTE™ system enables surgeons to place a stent through a small incision in the neck, stabilizing plaque and restoring healthy blood flow to the brain — all in less than half the time of a conventional carotid endarterectomy (CEA). 

“This milestone reflects our commitment to offering advanced, patient-centered care,” said Abdallah Naddaf, MD, FSVS, RPVI, and director of vascular surgery at Butler Memorial Hospital. “TCAR has transformed how we treat carotid artery disease, offering patients a safer, faster recovery and reduced risk of complications.”

“We’re proud to be among the leading hospitals in the region performing TCAR,” added Justin Wallace, MD, MS, FSVS, RPVI,also a physician of the vascular surgery team. “This approach allows us to treat high-risk patients with greater precision and comfort, and the outcomes speak for themselves.”

Carotid artery disease is a form of atherosclerosis — plaque buildup, in the two main arteries in the neck that supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain. If left untreated, it can lead to stroke, which, according to the American Stroke Association, occurs every 40 seconds in the United States and is the fifth-leading cause of death. Fortunately, up to 80 percent of strokes are preventable through lifestyle changes and early intervention.

TCAR offers a safer alternative to traditional treatments such as carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and transfemoral carotid artery stenting (TFCAS), with reduced scarring, a lower risk of heart attack, stroke and nerve injury, and a quicker recovery — often within four days.

Northern Cambria resident Dennis shared his experience with a bilateral TCAR procedure, expressing deep appreciation for the care he received. “I give that place — Butler Memorial Hospital — 100 percent”, he said. “Everything was better than I ever anticipated. It couldn’t have been better.”

Having undergone major surgeries in the past, including a triple bypass. Dennis described TCAR as the simplest and smoothest experience by far. He praised the exceptional staff, noted the rapid recovery, and strongly recommends TCAR over traditional surgical approaches. “This was a much better way,” he added.

Another patient, Elsie of Ford City, shared a similarly positive experience. When learning she had a 70 percent blockage in her carotid artery, she didn’t hesitate to seek care at Butler Memorial Hospital. “I’d always heard great things about the care there, and from the moment I was admitted to the moment I was discharged, the experience was excellent,” she said. 

Elsie explained that Dr. Naddaf walked her through the procedure in simple terms and even showed her pictures to help her better understand the TCAR procedure. “The staff were incredibly kind and made me feel comfortable every step of the way. “I tell anyone going through this not to worry—just be your own advocate, take care of yourself, and trust your instincts. I would choose Butler Memorial Hospital again in a minute,” she added.

For Kim of Grove City, the journey began with a routine eye exam in 2022. Her Independence Health System primary care physician, Dr. Timothy Lilly, recognized the urgency of the situation and promptly connected her with Dr. Naddaf for a consultation. The evaluation revealed a significant blockage — more than 70 percent—in her right carotid artery.

Within a few weeks of that initial optometry appointment, Kim underwent the TCAR procedure at Butler Memorial Hospital. She described the entire experience as seamless and exceptional: “From the registration desk to the nurses and recovery team, everyone was wonderful. It all went so smoothly.”

Since 2021, Independence Health System’s vascular teams have performed nearly 150 TCAR procedures systemwide. Butler Memorial Hospital’s 100 completed cases place it among the top-performing hospitals in the region, second only to flagship university medical centers.

Patients at higher risk for carotid artery disease include those with a history of clogged arteries, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity and sedentary lifestyles.

To learn more about TCAR and vascular care at Independence Health System, visit www.independence.health. 

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Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and 7,300 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning more than 10 counties. 

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health