Mail Tribune News - Surgery should leave Frohnmayer fit

Mail Tribune (Medford, OR — Wayback)

2000-09-14

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Surgery should leave Frohnmayer fit The Associated Press BETHESDA, Md . -- University of Oregon President Dave Frohnmayer will undergo surgery Monday so doctors can implant a device that monitors his heartbeat and delivers electric shocks in the event of an arrhythmia. After the surgery, doctors say Frohnmayer will be able to resume a full range of life activities. The 59-year-old Medford native suffered an arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, last week during a meeting at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md., where he serves on an advisory committee. Surrounded by doctors and nurses at the NIH, he was rushed to nearby Suburban Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition after the collapse. He has since been transferred out of the intensive care unit. Frohnmayer did not suffer a heart attack, according to a statement he and his wife, Lynn, released Friday. There is no evidence of any blockage in the arteries and no sign of permanent damage to the heart muscle. "Unfortunately, as is often true in cases of arrhythmia, doctors have been unable to identify a cause for this sudden and frightening event," the statement said. Frohnmayer is a former Oregon attorney general, gubernatorial candidate and law school dean. His wife, eldest son, Mark, and brother Phil are at the hospital with him. In his written statement, he said he's looking forward to getting back to Eugene and to the university, although he cannot predict when that will be. The Frohnmayers also expressed gratitude for the words of encouragement they have received. "We are touched beyond measure by the tremendous outpouring of support, prayers and good wishes that we have received," they said in the statement. "We will forever be thankful that we have been so blessed." Mail Tribune Copyright �  The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA