Former President Clinton successfully underwent emergency heart bypass surgery Monday and began a safe recovery from the four-hour operation, according to his surgeon and other doctors.
Four major blood vessels that supply oxygen to Clinton’s heart were found blocked, several by as much as 90 percent, said doctors at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center. Without the surgery, they added, he probably would have suffered a major heart attack in the near future.
Surgeons wove four bypasses around Clinton’s clogged arteries in an operation they described as routine. The surgery began around 8 a.m., and Clinton started to emerge from sedation by 4 p.m. Doctors said he was able to gesture and respond to commands.
At a news briefing, doctors said Clinton was still breathing through a tube and it was too soon to tell whether he might have any cognitive problems as a result of the operation. Whether bypass surgery causes such problems, how long they last and how severe they might be have been much debated. Clinton’s doctors played down such fears, saying the former president, who is 58, is likely to soon be able to return to a packed schedule.
Clinton’s surgery was scheduled on short notice after tests last week found his coronary arteries were clogged. High cholesterol, genetics and a love of fast food are likely culprits.
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., and their daughter, Chelsea Clinton, were with Clinton at the hospital. Describing the past few days as an “emotional roller coaster,” they said in a statement that they were grateful for the excellent care he has received. “The former president’s optimism and faith will carry him through the difficult weeks and months ahead,” they said.
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