Continuing his slow but steady convalescence from a devastating car accident, Gov. Jon S. Corzine underwent a minor procedure this morning to remove fluid outside his left lung.
I'm surprised he doesn't already have a chest tube on that side with all the broken ribs. | The procedure lasted 15 minutes, and was described by doctors as successful, according to a statement from Anthony Coley, Mr. CorzineÂ’s communications director. He remains in the intensive care unit of Cooper University Hospital here, in critical but stable condition.
Technically called thoracentisis, the procedure is considered minor, and usually done with a needle to help a patient with breathing. And Mr. Corzine is expected to continue breathing with the help of a ventilator until at least Monday, when he is scheduled to undergo his fourth operation since the accident on Thursday night.
The procedure came on a quieter day at the hospital, in contrast to the frenzied atmosphere that had saturated the corridors since Mr. Corzine’s arrival. Mr. Corzine’s three children were there, as well as his girlfriend, but they did not make any public appearances. And two of Mr. Corzine’s top aides, Mr. Coley and Tom Shea, his chief of staff, did not arrive at the hospital until mid-morning — a sign, presumably, that they were encouraged Mr. Corzine’s progress.
The way the news is slipping out I think there are things going on we don't know about. I wish the man the best; he's in a precarious state right now. |
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