Everett coach Craig Hartsburg is taking a leave of absence from the team because he requires heart surgery.
Hartsburg, who’s in his second season with the Tips, was diagnosed with an ascending aortic aneurysm. That means Hartsburg has dilation (enlargement) in his aorta, which is the main artery leaving the heart. Hartsburg has had the situation monitored by doctors since 2003, and it was determined his condition has reached the point where something needs to be done.
Hartsburg is scheduled for a preliminary heart catheterization procedure Wednesday, during which a camera will be inserted into his heart to examine the aorta and determine the extent of the condition. Then Hartsburg will undergo open-heart surgery in early November, during which the affected sections of his aorta will be replaced. Both procedures will take place at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett.
This surgery is a fairly common form of heart surgery, and the prognosis for full recovery is good.
Hartsburg is expected to miss this week’s three games because of the preliminary procedure. He then is expected to be back behind the bench until the main operation takes place. If all goes according to plan, he should be able to rejoin the team full-time after Christmas.
While Hartsburg is out, associate head coach Jay Varady will take over the head coaching duties. Varady is in his eighth season with the Tips and his fourth as associate head coach.
I wish Craig all the best during this situation, and I wish him a speedy recovery.
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