Sharon to undergo heart surgery

2006-01-01 18:52

Jerusalem - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon will undergo a previously announced heart procedure on Thursday to close a small hole that apparently led to his recent stroke, say officials on Sunday.

Doctors said last week that the procedure, known as a cardiac catheterisation, would virtually eliminate the risk of Sharon suffering a similar stroke.

The hole was discovered after Sharon's December 18 stroke. Located in the partition between the upper chambers of Sharon's heart, the hole measured about two millimetres and was a common birth defect found in 15 to 20% of the population, doctors said.

The stroke abruptly put the health of Sharon, who was 77 and overweight, on the political agenda as he seeks a third term in March 28 elections.

Blood-thinning medication

Despite the health concerns, opinion polls continued to forecast a strong victory by Sharon, who was the country's most popular politician.

Doctors said Sharon would undergo the catheterisation within three weeks. In the meantime, he had been treated with blood-thinning medication.

Using a catheter inserted through a blood vessel, doctors would put an "umbrella-like" device over the hole to seal it.

The said a small camera inserted through the oesophagus would guide the doctors and a mild anaesthetic would be used.

Hospital officials said the procedure would take place at Hadassah Hospital Ein Karem in Jerusalem, the same hospital that treated Sharon for the stroke.

Doctors said Sharon briefly lost the ability to speak during the stroke, but suffered no lasting damage. Last week, he resumed his full work schedule.

- AP