Doctors Give CSO's Riccardo Muti A Pacemaker
CHICAGO (CBS) -Riccardo Muti, Chicago Symphony Orchestra music director, was implanted with a pacemaker after doctors determined a rehearsal blackout was caused by an underlying heart rhythm, the CSO announced on Friday.
Muti suffered the fainting spell during a Feb. 3 rehearsal that left him with a fracture to his jaw, as well as other facial bones.
Muti was implanted with a standard pacemaker after it was determined the blackout was caused by a common heart rhythm disturbance. The pacemaker will monitor the heart rhythm and deliver a small charge to create a heart beat if his own heart rate drops too low, doctors said in a statement released by CSO on Friday.
"Fortunately, the remainder of the Maestro's medical evaluation has revealed that he has superb heart function," the statement said.
Meanwhile, Muti also released a statement Friday thanking everyone for their support but also stressing his disappointment in missing performances.
"I am so grateful to all of you for your support, caring and words from your hearts to mine," Muti said. "I am so disappointed that I was not able to share in the music making by our great Orchestra these past weeks."
CSO President Deborah Rutter thanked doctors and staff for their care, as well as fans around Chicago who have expressed their well wishes. "This tremendous outpouring has touched him and the board, staff and musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association deeply."
She also stressed the association's support for Muti, saying the relationship between the maestro and the orchestra is strong. "He is an important part of our family."
The CSO released a statement last week saying screws and plates "were placed to facilitate healing of the facial fractures." Muti's upper and lower jaws were wired in place to stabilize the lower jaw during healing.
Muti continues to recover at Northwestern Hospital.
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