St. Luke’s Vascular Surgeon Brian Peterson, MD, and Surgical Team Become First in World to Perform 1,000 TCAR Procedures

Historic milestone highlights St. Luke's Heart & Vascular Institute's expertise in advanced, minimally invasive treatment for carotid artery disease

Chesterfield, MO., OCTOBER 7, 2026 - St. Luke's is celebrating a world-first medical milestone as Brian Peterson, MD, FACS, FSVS, and his surgical team at St. Luke's Heart & Vascular Institute have become the first in the world to perform 1,000 Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) procedures.

TCAR is an innovative, minimally invasive procedure used to treat carotid artery disease and help reduce the risk of stroke. During the procedure, blood flow is temporarily reversed away from the brain to help prevent potentially dangerous plaque fragments from reaching the brain while a stent is placed in the carotid artery.

"Reaching 1,000 TCAR procedures is an incredible milestone, but what matters most is what those procedures represent: 1,000 opportunities to provide our patients with advanced treatment designed to help reduce their risk of stroke," said Peterson. "This achievement belongs to our entire surgical team. It takes tremendous skill, coordination and commitment from everyone involved to provide this level of care, and I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished together."

Carotid artery disease occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries in the neck that carry oxygen-rich blood to the brain. As the arteries narrow, blood flow can be reduced and plaque fragments can travel to the brain, potentially causing a stroke. Carotid artery disease is estimated to be responsible for up to one-third of strokes. The technology used in the procedure includes the ENROUTE™ Transcarotid Neuroprotection System from Boston Scientific, which is designed specifically for TCAR.

"Being the first surgical team in the world to reach 1,000 TCAR procedures is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to Dr. Peterson's leadership and the expertise of the entire St. Luke's Heart & Vascular Institute team," said Andy Bagnall, President & CEO, St. Luke's. "This milestone exemplifies our commitment to bringing innovative, advanced care to our community and making a meaningful difference in the lives of the patients we serve."

About TCAR

Transcarotid Artery Revascularization is a minimally invasive treatment for carotid artery disease. The procedure uses temporary blood flow reversal to help protect the brain during carotid stenting. Patients undergoing TCAR typically recover quickly, with most spending one night in the hospital and returning home the following day.

About St. Luke's

St. Luke's Hospital is a nationally recognized, independent, non-profit healthcare system. Renowned for its exceptional quality and patient satisfaction, St. Luke's has consistently earned prestigious awards and accolades. The hospital holds the exclusive alliance provider status in the St. Louis market for the Cleveland Clinic Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute, further solidifying its position as a leader in cardiovascular care. Since its establishment in 1866, St. Luke's has evolved into an advanced network of care. Its 493-bed hospital in Chesterfield, MO serves as a hub for its 60+ specialties and 30 locations throughout the greater St. Louis area.