Outgoing Rep. Dingell Undergoes Heart Procedure

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Outgoing U.S. Rep. John Dingell on Thursday underwent a procedure to correct an abnormal heart rhythm.

A statement released by Dingell's office says the minimally invasive procedure was performed at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

According to the statement, Dingell recently developed atrial fibrillation, and the procedure would seek to find the source and correct it.

Early in the afternoon, Dingell's office said his procedure was over and he was "resting comfortably."

The 87-year-old Dearborn Democrat is expected to stay in the hospital overnight and should be released Friday. Spokesman Christopher Schuler says it is not an emergency procedure.

Dingell's office said he will have a light workload during the upcoming district work period. He plans to return to work as Congress reconvenes on March 24.

Dingell announced last month that he will not run for re-election this year. He owns the longest congressional career in U.S. history.

Dingell's wife, Debbie, is running for his Detroit-area seat.

Henry Ford Cardiologist Marc Lahiri, who did not perform Dingell's procedure, said patients who develop an abnormal rhythm typical undergo what's known as a catheter ablation, to find the source of the problem and correct it.

"Based on what we find and where we find those abnormalities, we can potentially go to the source of those irregular rhythms and burn away the abnormal heart tissue that's causing those rhythms to occur," Lahiri explained.

Lahiri said procedure usually involves sedation and depending on the complexity of the case, can last anywhere from ninety minutes to six hours or more.

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