California Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi successfully underwent surgery today to repair a leaking heart mitral valve, and his doctor said he should make a complete recovery, his department announced.
The mitral valve separates the left atrium and left ventricle heart chambers.
“Mr. Garamendi should have a 100 percent recovery,” said Dr. Allen S. Morris, chief of the division of cardiovascular surgery at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, where the surgery took place. Any leakage is “completely eliminated,” the surgeon said.
Over the weekend Mr. Garamendi experienced some discomfort while working at his ranch. When family members took him to the hospital, the procedure was arranged.
The department said Mr. Garamendi does not anticipate a significant disruption in his duties as commissioner or in his campaign for the Democratic nomination as lieutenant governor.
“Commissioner Garamendi and his family want to thank everyone who has called to wish him well and who offered prayers for his speedy recovery,” the department said.
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