Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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Israeli PM to Undergo Heart Procedure Thursday
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1066D86:3919ACA Procedure to close
tiny hole in Ariel Sharon's heart discovered during treatment for
minor stroke suffered last month





Ariel Sharon Israeli officials say Prime Minister Ariel Sharon will
undergo a medical procedure Thursday to close a tiny hole in his heart
discovered during treatment for a minor stroke suffered last month.

Doctors describe the tiny hole as a minor birth defect and say it is
in the partition between the upper chambers of Mr. Sharon's heart.

The procedure, known as cardiac catheterization, involves inserting a
catheter through a blood vessel into the heart, where an umbrella-like
device will plug the hole. Doctors say they expect Mr. Sharon will
make a full recovery.

Mr. Sharon returned to work on December 25, one week after his
emergency hospitalization. Doctors say the stroke has not caused any
permanent damage.

Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.


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