Congressman Nick Lampson Undergoes Successful Bypass Surgery

Washington, D.C. (March 26, 2007)—On Sunday, March 25, Congressman Nick Lampson (D-Stafford) received coronary artery bypass surgery to treat blockages of the arteries on the surface of his heart. The surgery was performed by Dr. Bud Frazier and Dr. William E. Cohn of the Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in the Texas Medical Center in Houston. The procedure was recommended after a checkup at the National Naval Medical Center this past Friday detected irregularities, and Congressman Lampson returned to Texas for treatment.

"On recommendation of physicians at the Texas Medical Center, the National Naval Medical Center and the U.S. Capitol, Congressman Lampson had quadruple bypass surgery Sunday morning," spokesman Bobby Zafarnia said. "He'll remain under observation in the hospital for the next several days, and should be released within the week. The physicians have indicated that the surgery proceeded well, and that Congressman Lampson will make a full recovery. Though this was a serious procedure, Congressman Lampson has his family with him, his spirits are high, and he looks forward to returning to his office and serving his constituents as quickly as possible."

Congressman Lampson's recovery period will keep him in Houston for approximately 3 to 4 weeks, and the U.S. House of Representatives leadership has been notified of his temporary absence. A press conference will be held today at the Denton Cooley Auditorium at Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital with the Congressman's wife Susan Lampson, Dr. William Cohn, and Dr. Reynolds Delgado to answer questions regarding the procedure.

The Lampson family requests that in lieu of flowers and gifts, donations should be made to the American Heart Association.

National Media Contact: Bobby Zafarnia, Office (202) 225-5951 / (202) 641-3186
State and Local Media Contact: Jessica Michan, Office (281) 240-3700 / (281) 757-3800