Moscow, 25 September 1996 (RFE/RL) -- Doctors in Moscow have decided that Russian President Boris Yeltsin will undergo a bypass operation to improve blood flow to his heart.
Top presidential doctor Sergei Mironov told a news conference today the operation will take place in Moscow, within six to ten weeks. Mironov said the decision was made after consultations by leading Russian doctors and pioneering U.S. heart surgeon Michael DeBakey. DeBakey, who conducted the world's first successful heart bypass operation, said that "after reviewing all the facts" he is confident Yeltsin's health will be "restored to normal" following the operation. Surgeon Andrei Vorobyov, the head of the council of doctors, said Yeltsin's operation would have to be delayed six to ten weeks, because his heavy workload during the summer presidential campaign had "caused complications which make the operation undesirable today."
Doctors said Yeltsin will remain under close medical supervision in the meantime.
Top presidential doctor Sergei Mironov told a news conference today the operation will take place in Moscow, within six to ten weeks. Mironov said the decision was made after consultations by leading Russian doctors and pioneering U.S. heart surgeon Michael DeBakey. DeBakey, who conducted the world's first successful heart bypass operation, said that "after reviewing all the facts" he is confident Yeltsin's health will be "restored to normal" following the operation. Surgeon Andrei Vorobyov, the head of the council of doctors, said Yeltsin's operation would have to be delayed six to ten weeks, because his heavy workload during the summer presidential campaign had "caused complications which make the operation undesirable today."
Doctors said Yeltsin will remain under close medical supervision in the meantime.