April 9, 2026Northern Health has become one of only six sites across Australia and New Zealand to introduce Trans-Carotid Arterial Revascularisation (TCAR), an innovative, minimally invasive procedure designed to help prevent debilitating strokes.
TCAR is an advanced surgical technique used to treat patients with atherosclerotic disease affecting the carotid artery, a major blood vessel supplying oxygen-rich blood to the brain. The procedure involves a small incision to access the carotid artery, placement of a stent to open the narrowed segment, and the temporary reversal of blood flow during the procedure to significantly reduce the risk of stroke.
By combining limited surgical exposure with advanced neuroprotection, TCAR offers a safer and highly effective treatment option for appropriately selected patients at risk of stroke.
Northern Health’s selection as a launch site reflects its strong, collaborative approach to patient care and the leadership of its Vascular and Stroke services in delivering cutting-edge treatments and technologies.
Northern Health Vascular surgeons, Dr David Goh and Dr Shrikkanth Rangarajan, were among the first in Australia to perform the procedure on patients with carotid artery disease last month, supported by a highly skilled multidisciplinary team.
“Today is a milestone for us because we’ve performed the first trans-carotid arterial revascularisation in Victoria, and likely in Australia,” said Dr Rangarajan.
“Raj and I have been closely involved in the case planning, training and patient selection, and we’re really excited to offer this new technology to our patients,” said Dr Goh, Head of Vascular Surgery Unit, Northern Health.
The introduction of TCAR at Northern Health has also been supported by international expertise. Dr Gregg Landis, Chief of Vascular Surgery at North Shore University Hospital in the United States, described the procedure as “state-of-the-art treatment for carotid disease.”
“It’s something we’ve been doing for several years in the United States, and now Australia is bringing this technology to patients and the broader community, delivering what is likely the most advanced form of carotid artery treatment,” he said.
For patients like Maureen, the impact of this innovation has been life-changing. After experiencing a stroke, she was brought to Northern Hospital, where clinicians identified significant plaque in her carotid artery. She underwent TCAR as part of her treatment and is now recovering well.
Similarly, Sandy Hogan, who travelled from regional Victoria (approximately two hours from Northern Hospital), underwent the procedure and has already noticed positive improvements in her recovery. Just one week after surgery, she reports feeling clearer in her thinking and experiencing easier breathing.
Both Maureen and Sandy expressed deep gratitude to the surgeons and the entire Northern Health team for their care and support throughout her journey.
This milestone reinforces Northern Health’s commitment to providing world-class care and improving outcomes for patients across the region, ensuring access to the latest innovations in vascular treatment closer to home.
Pictured in featured image (L-R): Dr Shrikkanth Rangarajan and Dr David Goh.
