Manchester-based Elliot Health System has announced its use of an innovative technique to treat patients with carotid artery disease.

The procedure, called transcarotid artery revascularization, or TCAR, is a minimally invasive approach for high surgical-risk patients who need the treatment and prevent the risk of future strokes.

With TCAR, blood flow is temporarily reversed during the procedure so that any small bits of plaque that may break off are diverted away from the brain, preventing a stroke from happening. A stent is then placed inside the artery to stabilize the plaque, minimizing the risk of a future stroke.

Previously, the main treatment option for severe carotid artery disease was an open surgical procedure called carotid endarterectomy that removes plaque from inside the carotid artery, but the large incision can leave a visible scar the length of the neck and carries increased risks of surgical complications, including bleeding, infection, heart attack and cranial nerve injuries that can cause issues with swallowing, speaking and sensation in the face, officials said.