Bob Barker Recovering

Bob Barker, host of the CBS game show The Price Is Right, successfully underwent surgery Monday to clear a blocked artery in his neck and prevent a potential stroke. His doctors say the procedure and condition it treats is common in people Barker's age.

"Mr. Barker's surgery went very well," said neurosurgeon Anthony Caputy of George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C. He added that Barker would probably remain hospitalized through the end of the week.

Dr. Samuel Potolicchio says Barker was at risk of stroke when he was brought to George Washington University Hospital by ambulance Thursday morning after experiencing numbness in his left arm.

Tests revealed his left carotid artery was 85 percent blocked.

He underwent what is known as an endarterctomy. During the procedure, the artery is opened and the blockage cleared. Approximately 40,000 people have the operation each year.

Barker was in Washington to meet with members of Congress. As a longtime animal rights supporter, he's backing a measure that would ban elephants from circuses and traveling shows.

His illness is not expected to interfere with production of The Price Is Right. Barker been host of the game show since 1972. A spokesman said the show is taped well in advance.

He has won a record-breaking 10 Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host. Before that, he hosted 18 seasons of Truth or Consequences.