MicroPort^® NeuroTech™ Completes World's First Application of PCAR Intervention System

Shanghai, China — Recently, the Percutaneous Neuroprotection for Carotid Artery Remodelling (PCAR) (PCAR) Intervention System, jointly developed by MicroPort^® NeuroTech™ in collaboration with Prof. Bo Yu's team at Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, achieved a global milestone with the completion of the world's first PCAR procedure at the center. This successful intervention rescued a patient suffering from severe carotid artery stenosis. The PCAR represents an evolution from Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR), further advancing minimally invasive techniques and simplifying operations.

Carotid artery stenosis is a major cause of ischemic stroke. Clinically, the severe stenosis has been treated through Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA) and Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS). CEA involves surgical removal of the thickened arterial intima and atherosclerotic plaques through an incision in the carotid artery, but it is highly invasive and carries a higher risk of perioperative cardiac events. CAS, while less invasive, involves navigating a tortuous path through the femoral artery to the aortic arch and then to the carotid artery, which can increase the risk of intracranial embolism. To address these challenges, a new intervention method called TCAR was introduced. TCAR involves a small incision in the neck to connect a countercurrent cerebral protection device to the carotid artery and femoral vein, reversing blood flow from the brain through the carotid artery, filtering out dislodged plaques, and returning the blood to the body via the femoral vein. TCAR has become a mainstream intervention for carotid artery stenosis due to its shorter procedure time, simpler operation, and lower stroke risk.

Inspired by TCAR, MicroPort® NeuroTech™ and Prof. Bo Yu 's team successfully developed the PCAR system which allows for device placement through a simple puncture, thus making the procedure even less invasive. Moreover, PCAR serves as an important path and adjunct method for the endovascular intervention of cerebrovascular ischemic diseases.

Prof. Bo Yu remarked, "The successful procedure demonstrates that PCAR can be a vital method for the interventional treatment of cerebrovascular ischemic diseases. PCAR has opened a new pathway for interventional treatment of cerebrovascular diseases and has established a new platform for carotid and cerebrovascular interventions, which allows for further advancements in treatment capabilities, such as intravascular carotid plaque ablation to achieve EndoCEA."