A stroke, a surgery, and an advanced care team close to home

Donna Carr's life was saved by a timely and advanced medical intervention at Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital, thanks to the hospital's investments in advanced operating rooms and trained personnel.

In late 2024, Carr experienced symptoms of a stroke due to blood clots blocking her carotid artery. She underwent a minimally invasive procedure called transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR), which filtered out the clots and prevented further strokes. This procedure involves reversing blood flow around the blockage, using a balloon and stents to reopen the artery while filtering out plaque and clots. The hybrid operating room at Chester County Hospital, equipped with advanced imaging tools, facilitated this precise and life-saving intervention.

The hospital’s investment in upgraded capabilities has paid off by attracting innovative care providers and improving patient outcomes. Chester’s facility combines the capabilities of a standard operating room with the imaging tools needed for endovascular procedures, allowing for detailed and accurate interventions. This setup also streamlines scheduling and reduces the number of personnel needed for procedures.

The hospital's commitment to cutting-edge care has led to successful recruitment of skilled clinicians like vascular surgeon, Daniel Lee, M.D., of whom Carr said “He saved my life, what can I say? ... I can’t brag about him enough.”