Banner North Colorado Medical Center has become the first hospital in Colorado and within the six-state Banner Health system to use the new XACT Carotid Stent technology developed by Abbott. This procedure marks a significant step forward in stroke prevention for patients with carotid artery disease, which is a major risk factor for stroke.
The inaugural procedure was performed earlier this month by Dr. Timothy Fuller and the vascular team at Banner North Colorado. The treatment is now available to patients at the CardioVascular Institute of North Colorado in Greeley.
Carotid artery disease, which results from plaque buildup narrowing arteries that supply blood to the brain, is recognized as the second leading cause of stroke. Each year, about 400,000 people are diagnosed with this condition, and up to 3% of adults aged 65 and older are affected. Traditional treatment involves open surgery with a four-inch incision in the neck to remove plaque, but it carries risks such as infection and blood clots.
The XACT Carotid Stent System offers a minimally invasive alternative for restoring blood flow and reducing stroke risk. It is particularly suited for cases involving carotid injuries or heavy plaque buildup where the artery divides into two branches.
“This first case represents a meaningful advancement for patients in Northern Colorado,” said Dr. Fuller. “Having access to the latest stent technology allows us to offer additional minimally invasive options for patients who may benefit from carotid artery stenting.”
The XACT Carotid Stent Systems are designed for precision and strength during procedures, supporting both traditional transfemoral and transcarotid delivery methods. Backed by multiple clinical studies involving more than 10,000 patients, evidence shows that it can safely reduce stroke risk and help keep arteries open over time.
“This is exactly the kind of innovation we want available to our community,” said Alan Qualls, chief executive officer of Banner’s North Colorado hospitals. “Being the first in Colorado to offer this technology reflects our commitment to bringing advanced, evidence-based care to patients close to home, without the need to travel to Denver or beyond, which is always a priority for us.”
By introducing this technology, Banner Health and its CardioVascular Institute continue expanding their capacity to treat complex vascular conditions using less invasive techniques that may shorten recovery times and improve patient outcomes.
Banner Health operates facilities across several states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, and Wyoming according to its official website. The organization ranks among the largest nonprofit health systems nationwide and aims to simplify health care in order to improve quality of life (source). Banner Health provides substantial community benefits through its nonprofit activities (source).
Banner North Colorado Medical Center is an accredited private nonprofit facility licensed in Greeley. It serves as a regional medical center providing various community-based and specialty health services across parts of Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, and northeastern Colorado.
For more information about vascular and stroke-prevention services at Banner North Colorado in Greeley, visit bannerhealth.com.
