Former President George W. Bush had a stent placed in his heart Tuesday morning after doctors discovered a blocked artery during his annual physical on Monday. According to Bush's office, the surgery was successful and he will return home on Wednesday.
Time's Healthland has more details on the procedure:
While many patients who have had bypass surgery receive stents to prop open arteries that collapse again, the devices are also being recommended in more patients like Bush, who show early signs of heart blockages. More than one million patients receive stents each year, mostly under local anesthesia.
A statement from Bush's office:
During President George W. Bush's annual physical examination at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas yesterday, a blockage was discovered in an artery in his heart. At the recommendation of his doctors, President Bush agreed to have a stent placed to open the blockage. The procedure was performed successfully this morning, without complication, at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital. President Bush is in high spirits, eager to return home tomorrow and resume his normal schedule on Thursday. He is grateful to the skilled medical professionals who have cared for him. He thanks his family, friends, and fellow citizens for their prayers and well wishes. And he encourages us all to get our regular check-ups.