Paoli outdoorsman is back on the trails after TCAR procedure

At 79 years old, Marvin Jones isn't slowing down. He lives just a block from Hoosier National Forest, south of Paoli, and spends much of his time hiking the trails near his home and staying active outdoors.

When fatigue threatened his ability to do what he loves, he turned to an expert care team that offers a wide range of care close to home, which includes cardiologist James Fix, MD, in Paoli and vascular surgeon, Satinderjit Locham, MD, in Bloomington.

After testing revealed increasing blockage in his right vascular, Locham recommended Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR), a minimally invasive procedure that improves blood flow through the carotid artery and helps reduce the risk of stroke.

This summer, Jones became one of the first patients at IU Health Bloomington to undergo the TCAR procedure.

“I thought the minimally invasive option was wonderful because of the quicker recovery and it seemed less dangerous than the traditional surgery,” said Marvin.

Recovery has been smooth, with his fatigue greatly improving, and Marvin was cleared of all restrictions one month post operation. He celebrated by getting right back to his active self—he spent the day mowing his lawn, doing housework and going on a short hike. He’s also eager to get back his typical longer hikes.

“I had a wonderful time at the Bloomington hospital. Everybody just treated me good, and you really couldn't ask for any more,” said Marvin.