Emperor Akihito Undergoes Heart Surgery

Emperor Akihito of Japan underwent heart surgery today at the University of Tokyo Hospital. According to his attending physicians, the emperor’s coronary artery bypass surgery was a success.

Akihito was admitted to the hospital on Friday after having a coronary angiography by arterial catheter procedure done on February 11th.

In the meantime, Crown Prince Naruhito will be delegated matters of state as his father recovers from heart surgery.

The Imperial Household Agency announced that a visitor’s book for Emperor Akihito will be open during his stay in the hospital starting from February 17th between the hours of 10 am to 4 pm at the Sakashita-mon Gate, Imperial Palace, Tokyo. The IHA will not accept sympathy gifts and flowers.

Photo: Reuters

Prince Bernhard Recuperates from Intestine Surgery

A few weeks ago, Prince Bernhard presented his newborn son, Benjamin, to the media at the Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis. Yesterday, though, he was in the hospital for his own health issue. He is recuperating at the Academisch Medisch Centrum in Amsterdam following surgery on his intestine for a benign narrowing. Prof.dr. W.A. Bemelman performed the surgery and prof.dr. J.F. Bartelsman is his attending physician.The prince will remain in the hospital for about a week.