Bob Uecker, 75, Recovering From Heart Valve Surgery

In 2009, the global news wires were filled with stories about public figures undergoing heart valve surgery. As you might recall, Robin Williams, Barbara Bush, Ed Koch, Elizabeth Taylor and many other well-known people had heart valve repair or heart valve replacement surgery last year.

Bob Uecker – Heart Valve Surgery Patient

This year had been relatively quiet until a few days ago… When we learned that the infamous Bob Uecker just had a significant cardiac surgery which included a heart valve replacement. Here is more on the story:

Milwaukee Brewers radio announcer Bob Uecker had successful heart surgery Friday, April 30, 2010. The procedure was six-hours long and could keep Bob Uecker away from his beloved Brewers for up to three months.

In a statement, Uecker’s surgeon said he replaced the 75-year-old broadcaster’s aortic valve, aortic root and part of his ascending aorta. The surgeon also performed a coronary bypass. At this time, I do not know which type of heart valve replacement device Bob Uecker selected. However, given his age, I imagine he selected a pig or cow valve.

Doctor Alfred C. Nicolosi – Bob Uecker’s Surgeon

“As of 2:30 p.m., Bob is out of surgery and in the ICU,” said Doctor Alfred C. Nicolosi, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin. “We are pleased that Mr. Uecker’s surgery went smoothly today.”

Uecker is expected to remain in the hospital for five to seven days and his full recovery is expected to take 10 to 12 weeks – although patient recovery times vary.

Bob Uecker is in his 40th season broadcasting Brewers games. He also has starred in commercials and the television sitcom “Mr.
Belvedere.”

Keep on tickin’ Bob!