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Mike Pence undergoes surgery to install pacemaker

The 61-year-old is expected to make a full recovery

Justin Vallejo
New York
Thursday 15 April 2021 21:45 BST
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Former vice president Mike Pence is recovering after surgery to install a pacemaker, a small device to regulate a heartbeat.

Mr Pence, 61, is expected to fully recover and return to normal activity in the coming days following the procedure, described as “routine surgery”, on Wednesday, according to a statement from his office.

He said in a statement he was grateful for the swift professionalism and care of the doctors, nurses and staff at Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, where the surgery was performed.

"My family has been truly blessed by the work of these dedicated healthcare professionals," Pence said in a statement.

Mr Pence underwent the surgery after experiencing symptoms “associated with a slow heart rate” over the past two weeks.

He has a history of “asymptomatic left bundle branch block”, a diagnosis that was disclosed in his medical history when running for office in 2016.

After consultation with his doctors, the procedure to implant a pacemaker was conducted at the Inova Fairfax Medical Campus in Falls Church, Virginia.

Mr Pence has kept a limited public profile since presiding over the joint session of Congress to formally count the Electoral College votes making Joe Biden president.

Since leaving office, Mr Pence launched the Advancing American Freedom advocacy group seen as laying the groundwork for a potential 2024 presidential bid.

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