On Monday October 13 2003 between 11.15 AM and 2.50 PM
my heart was given 5 new support vessels in a by-pass operation. 
During this time my heart stood still for 45 min when the new
vessels were sewn into place. A heart lung machine 
was connected to me and kept me going. Also my heart was chilled
to 30°C (86°F) and my body temperature was lowered during the
operation.

Of the vessels 3 were sewn to the front side of my heart
and 2 to the back side. The vessels were veins taken from my right
leg that was cut opened for this purpose from the middle of 
the thigh down to my ankle. Also, and primarily, an artery that
normally supports the breast bone with blood was reconnected to 
the left part of my heart instead.

Details: In order to get access to my heart my breastbone (sternum)
was cloven by saw. After that my chest was widened until the opening
allowed the surgeon to comfortable work inside there. This is a somewhat
awkward situation where the shoulders that normally are on the sides of
the body temporarily are on the back! The gym following after the 
operation took care of that easily however!
When the chest is opened also the heart sack is cut open in a T-form.
This is not sewn back after the surgery to allow for juices from the
wounds to drain. However it gives the feeling that the heart is going to
to fall out any minute the first days after the operation. The heart sack 
eventually heals by itself. After the operation the breastbone was clasped
with titanium clasps that will get along with the bone tissues in the 
healing process.

The surgery took place at Scandinavian Heart Center (SHC) at
the Carlanders Hospital in Goteborg, Sweden. The operating team
have specialized in heart operations and are performing 3 operations
each day 5 days a week.

At around 4 PM I woke up believing I was called to the operation 
that just was over! I had to stand on my feet short after and a lot
of fluid came out of my chest. Already the next day I could take
some steps of my own although connected with hoses and cables
to the bed but out of the operation room. 
The days after that I rapidly recovered and could call my friends
on phone. After 10 days I was allowed to come home again.