Baton Rouge General Named Center of Excellence for New Stroke Prevention Procedure

BRG One of Three Facilities Statewide to Earn Distinction

BATON ROUGE, La. -- Baton Rouge General (BRG) has been named a Center of Excellence by the developer of a new stroke prevention procedure. The hospital is one of only three facilities in Louisiana to earn the distinction from Silk Road Medical.

Dr. Vince Weaver, a vascular surgeon with Vascular Specialty Center, was the first physician in South Louisiana to perform the TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) procedure at Baton Rouge General last year. He also proctors other vascular surgeons performing the procedure throughout the country.

“Strokes can be tragic and life-altering, but bringing TCAR to Baton Rouge General has been a game-changer,” said Dr. Weaver. “To be honored for excellence in patient care and outcomes gives me confidence that our team is a driving force in TCAR becoming the standard of care for all patients.”

The minimally invasive procedure reverses the blood flow through the brain to divert blood clots and plaque away from the brain to prevent blockage and stroke. Through a small incision at the base of the neck, physicians temporarily reverse the blood flow in the carotid artery prior to placing a stent in one of the patient’s neck arteries to prevent blockage from clogging arteries and potentially leading to stroke.

Before this procedure, the main treatment option for high risk patients with blocked carotid arteries was open surgery, which increases risk of stroke, heart attack, and cranial nerve injuries that can cause issues with swallowing, speaking, and sensation in the face.

From left, Director of Perioperative Services Jennifer Manale, Kayley Naquin, Dr. Vince Weaver, Claire Smith, and Brandt Corban

About Baton Rouge General Medical Center
Baton Rouge General Medical Center is the area’s first community hospital with 588 licensed beds between two campuses. Baton Rouge General opened its doors in 1900, and has provided the Greater Baton Rouge community with high-quality healthcare for generations. An accredited teaching hospital since 1991, Baton Rouge General serves as an affiliate of Tulane University School of Medicine, and offers other medical education programs, including a School of Nursing, School of Radiologic Technology, Family Medicine Residency Program, Internal Medicine Residency Program, and Sports Medicine Fellowship Program. For more information, visit BRGeneral.org, find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BatonRougeGeneral and follow us on Twitter at @BRGeneral.

About Vascular Specialty Center
Baton Rouge Vascular Specialty Center (VSC) provides care from fellowship-trained, board-certified, experienced leaders in vascular care who have served Baton Rouge and southern Louisiana with distinction for more than 30 years. Our professional, friendly vascular team has helped thousands of patients just like you. For more information, visit brvsc.com or call 225-399-4472.

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