Letterman expected to fully recover from heart surgery

January 15, 2000
Web posted at: 5:55 p.m. EST (2255 GMT)

NEW YORK (CNN) -- "Late Show" host David Letterman was resting comfortably Saturday after Friday's quintuple heart bypass surgery, according to his publicist Howard Rubenstein.

The procedure was performed by Dr. O. Wayne Isom. He said the operation went smoothly and was a "complete success with no complications." The doctor predicted a "rapid recovery and a return to full health for Dave."

Isom added: "Dave has the heart muscle of a 20-year-old."

Letterman, 52, is at New York Presbyterian Hospital, but he is expected "to return home in a short while," Rubenstein said in a statement. "During Dave's recovery period the show will telecast re-runs. He looks forward to returning to the 'Late Show.'"

Isom told CNN's Larry King Live on Friday that he tells his patients it may take a few weeks before they can go back to work.

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"Usually I recommend don't make any professional or social commitments that you can't break for at least three weeks from the time of surgery," Isom said. "Your heart is in better shape than it's been in for years, but your stamina is decreased so it depends on what kind of work you're doing."

Letterman underwent the surgery after an angiogram earlier Friday revealed that one of his arteries was seriously constricted. His father also had heart disease.

Letterman discussed his upcoming angiogram with guest Regis Philbin during a show taping this week

Letterman talked about his heart while taping Friday night's show. He told guest Regis Philbin he was to undergo the angiogram because of high cholesterol.

Two days earlier, Letterman had one of his highest-rated shows with a guest appearance by first lady and senate candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Fellow late-night TV host Jay Leno issued a statement that said, "I and everyone at 'The Tonight Show' wish Dave a speedy recovery."