Jackson, Mississippi Mayor to Undergo Heart Surgery

The Clarion Ledger is reporting that Mayor Frank Melton is set have surgery to help treat a heart condition. Melton, a first term mayor, announced that he will fly to Tyler, Texas for the procedure.

The 57 year old leader was diagnosed with congestive heart failure more than a year ago but has only recently made the decision to undergo the procedure. During Monday's press conference, Mayor Melton said he's been struggling with this condition since Hurricane Katrina. His local physician, Dr. Robert Smith, has had to drain nearly 30 pounds of fluid off of his body as a result of the illness.

Melton said this was a tough decision but based on his family's medical history, he decided to go ahead and get fitted with the device. His father and mother both died of heart attacks.

According to the American Heart Association, "Congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood to the body's other organs." In Melton's case, his left ventricular pump isn't as strong as it should be. This can be caused by, high blood pressure, fluid retention and various other conditions.

Common symptoms of congestive heart failure include weight gain, loss of appetite, fatigue, cough, decreased urine production and shortness of breath.

The controversial leader will receive an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator(ICD). The device is usually pager sized and is typically inserted while the patient is under local anesthesia. The ICD is planted directly under the skin near the collar bone. The device serves as both a traditional pacemaker and a defibrillator. The pace maker component regulates the heart's rhythm while the defibrillator gives a small shock if it the heart rhythm becomes irregular.

Typically an electronic lead is placed inside a vein and guided into the heart chamber. A generator is then placed under the chest and attached to the leads. Patients stay in the hospital anywhere from one to three days.

ICD wearers should stay away from security wands, large magnets, CB antenna and stereo speakers.

Dr. Robert Smith, speaking for Melton's medical team, said they are delighted with his decision. He will undergo the surgery Wednesday at East Medical Center in Tyler, Texas. Tyler is the home of Melton's wife who is also a physician.

The mayor expects to be back at work by Monday and ready to conduct business as usual. While he's away Robert Walker, Jackson's chief operating officer, will stand in for Mayor Melton. Walker won't take the temporary oath.