Bengaluru, (DHNS): JD(S) state president H D Kumaraswamy on Saturday underwent a heart surgery at Apollo Hospitals on Bannerghatta Road in the city.

Doctors who operated upon him said that he responded to the procedure well and that he is in a stable condition. The JD(S) leader will be kept under observation for one week. He has been advised rest for the next three weeks.

Kumaraswamy underwent a valve replacement surgery, where the tissue valve that was inserted a decade ago, was replaced with an aortic valve. The valve is said to have been damaged following excessive coughing.

The former chief minister was admitted to the hospital two days ago.

A team of four cardiologists led by Dr Sathyaki P Nambala performed the four-hour minimally invasive redo aortic valve replacement (2.5-inch incision) surgery, which started around 10 am.

Dr Sathyaki said the surgery was successful and that the shelf life of the newly replaced valve was around 15 years. He added that Kumaraswamy needed rest, and that he should not entertain any visitors for the next two weeks, as he would be prone to infections.

The 57-year-old, who is a diabetic, had undergone an open heart surgery in December 2007, following which his health has been fragile. By his own admission, Kumaraswamy is also highly prone to infections and allergies.

During his tours in North Karnataka districts earlier this year, he developed a bad cough after he inhaled fumes emitted by firecrackers.

Meanwhile, Kumaraswamy’s father H D Deve Gowda visited many temples and performed puja for his son’s speedy recovery.