Silk Road Medical has announced the launch of its Enroute transcarotid neuroprotection system Plus (NPS Plus), which the company describes as a key component of its transcarotid artery revascularisation (TCAR) portfolio.
As per a Silk Road press release, this next-generation device builds upon the prior Enroute transcarotid neuroprotection system to deliver smoother arterial sheath insertion, greater flow precision, and a simplified prep experience for surgical teams—all while maintaining “unparalleled” neuroprotection during the TCAR procedure.
“With the launch of the NPS Plus, we’re thrilled to empower our TCAR-trained physicians with a solution that addresses their insights and feedback to further strengthen and streamline the TCAR procedure,” said Chas McKhann, chief executive officer of Silk Road. “Our focus on new product innovation reflects our ongoing commitment to leadership in the treatment of carotid disease.”
The release goes on to state that TCAR combines direct carotid artery access with robust blood flow reversal, providing neuroprotection akin to open surgical techniques in a less invasive, more patient-friendly approach to treating carotid artery disease. During TCAR, the surgical team inserts a tube-like sheath into the carotid artery and connects it to the Enroute neuroprotection system, which temporarily reverses blood flow. The system filters potentially dangerous debris from the blood to reduce intraprocedural stroke risk while the team uses a TCAR-specific balloon and stent to open the artery, and contain the carotid artery disease.
TCAR delivers periprocedural stroke rates of less than 1% and a better patient recovery experience than open surgery, according to Silk Road.
“Silk Road Medical’s responsiveness to our feedback has provided us with better procedure predictability and a more streamlined workflow for our entire surgical team,” stated Brian Peterson (St Luke’s Heart and Vascular Institute, St Louis, USA). “With over 500 TCAR procedures performed by our team, we view TCAR as a first-line treatment option for carotid disease and we’re excited about what these improvements mean for patient care.”
I was very lucky to have assisted in the early TCAR clinical trials with Dr. Rasesh Shah at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center . It was stress relieving having direct access to the carotid lesions without struggling to negotiate wire access to the common carotid origin and advancing the distal protective device . Having the reversal of flow protection from distal embolization of ballooned carotid plaque added confidence to the surgeon and team . I am retired now and not surprised that Silk Road continues to improve this awesome device, congratulations on the success of this innovative device !