New York (AFP) – Boston Bruins rookie defenseman Charlie McAvoy underwent a successful heart ablation procedure Monday to treat an abnormal heart rhythm, said David Finn, team doctor for the National Hockey League club.
After a 4-2 home loss to Edmonton on November 26, the 20-year-old American told team doctors he experienced heart palpitations during the game.
A later evaluation showed McAvoy had a supraventricular tachycardia, not considered to be dangerous to his health but one that could recur at any time and cause significant symptoms.
That led to Monday’s operation at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he was to be monitored overnight before an expected recovery period of two weeks.
During the period from last November through last Saturday, McAvoy was cleared to play by the Bruins team physicians but also was monitored closely.
“After consultation with team physicians, as well as experts in this type of heart condition, Charlie decided to have the condition treated,” Finn said. “The decision to have the procedure done at this time is due to a high probability of recurrence.”
McAvoy has scored five goals and assisted on 20 others in 45 games this season for the Bruins, who have 27 wins and 62 points from 45 games. Boston ranks second in the NHL’s Eastern Conference, only three points behind pace-setter Tampa Bay.
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.