Englewood Hospital's Wellness Series event educates community on stroke prevention

HCA Florida Englewood Hospital recently hosted a Wellness Series designed to educate community members on Stroke Prevention and Innovative Treatments.

The event was held on Wednesday, May 22, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Plantation Golf & Country Club in Venice and featured important information during Stroke Awareness Month.

Strokes can happen to anyone, at any age. Having a stroke puts you at higher risk for a second one. Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States.

Stroke Coordinator Jan Riepenhoff shared the F.A.S.T. warning signs of stroke and what the risk factors are.

Board-certified general and vascular surgeon Issam Halaby, MD, PH.D., FACS, spoke about an innovative procedure called TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR), now offered at HCA Florida Englewood Hospital where he is a member of the medical staff.

"TCAR is an important option in the fight against stroke and is now available to all eligible patients, regardless of their surgical risk status. Since TCAR is less invasive than open surgery or Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA), patients usually have an easier recovery and can return to their normal routine faster," said Dr. Issam Halaby. “Because of TCAR's low stroke risk and faster patient recovery, I believe it represents the future of carotid repair."

TCAR is a less invasive approach to treat carotid artery disease and and reduce the risk of stroke.

Hear Tom Roberts story about how TCAR helped reduce his risk of stroke.