International Collaboration: Australian Surgeons Travel to Delray Medical Center to Learn TCAR from Dr. Joseph Ricotta

Mar 18, 2026

Delray Beach, FL – March 10th, 2026 - Nationally recognized Delray Medical Center vascular surgeon, Dr. Jospeh Ricotta, recently trained a group of vascular surgeons from Australia who traveled to Palm Beach County to observe him perform Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) procedures.

TCAR is a minimally invasive technique for treating carotid artery disease, a condition where plaque buildup narrows the arteries supplying blood to the brain. This innovative procedure offers a safer, more efficient way to clear blockages and restore normal blood flow, significantly reducing the risk of stroke.

Boston Scientific, the manufacturer of TCAR, selected Dr. Ricotta for this unique educational experience because of his leadership and expertise in the field.  He has completed nearly 500 TCAR procedures and in 2018, he completed the first TCAR procedure in South Florida.

The Australian surgeons who participated in the on-site observation included:

  • Damien Holdaway – Geelong Hospital, Victoria
  • Enis Kocak – Geelong Hospital, Victoria
  • Raj (Shikkranth) Rangarajan – Northern Hospital, Victoria
  • Chris Delaney – Flinders Medical Center, South Australia
  • Thavenesh Ramachandren – Flinders Medical Center, South Australia
  • Ed Travers – Flinders Medical Center, South Australia

These surgeons were preparing for the introduction of TCAR in Australia, where national clearance for performing the procedure is expected in 2027. Their visit to Delray Medical Center provided valuable insight into advanced TCAR techniques, workflow, and safety protocols under the guidance of one of the world’s foremost TCAR experts.

Dr. Ricotta’s expertise in the field has earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious TCAR Clinical Operator of Excellence distinction from Silk Road Medical in 2020, an award recognizing top physicians for superior outcomes in TCAR procedures. Delray Medical Center also earned the TCAR Center of Excellence Award, also from Silk Road. (Silk Road was later acquired by Boston Scientific.) With over two decades of experience, Dr. Ricotta has also been repeatedly recognized as a National Top Doctor by Castle Connolly, and has contributed more than 300 peer-reviewed articles to medical literature. Newsweek recently ranked Dr. Ricotta as the top vascular surgeon in Florida and #2 in the entire country.

“Hosting international colleagues and contributing to the global expansion of TCAR is an honor,” said Dr. Ricotta, National Medical Director of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy for Tenet Healthcare, Professor of Surgery and Vascular Surgery Fellowship Program Director at Florida Atlantic University’s School of Medicine, and founder of the Prime Vascular Institute. “As more countries adopt this minimally invasive approach, we can help reduce stroke risk for patients worldwide. It’s exciting to see the interest and momentum building in Australia.”

Delray Medical Center congratulates Dr. Ricotta on this achievement and celebrates his continued commitment to advancing vascular care. His leadership not only strengthens clinical excellence within the Delray community but also helps shape the future of carotid artery disease treatment around the globe.

About Delray Medical Center

Delray Medical Center, part of the Palm Beach Health Network, is a 536-bed acute care hospital, spanning 30 acres, employing over 1,700 employees, 700 physicians, serving southern Palm Beach County for over 40 years. As both a community hospital and state-designated Level I Trauma Center Delray Medical Center offers several specialized services including state-of-the art cardiac and vascular facilities, orthopedics, neurosciences, emergency care, and weight-loss surgery.

Pinecrest Rehabilitation and Outpatient Hospital at Delray Medical Center is the only state designated brain and spinal cord injury rehabilitation program in the county by the State of Florida.  Delray Medical Center is also home to Fair Oaks Pavilion, a 53-bed adult psychiatry unit. For more information about our services, visit our website at www.palmbeachhealthnetwork.com.

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