The true situation with country singer Randy Travis is a bit of a mystery.
Travis was airlifted to a Texas hospital on Sunday night and diagnosed with a weakening of the heart muscle called cardiomyopathy that was caused by a viral infection. On Monday, Travis’ sister-in-law told People magazine that he had undergone heart surgery but did not have specifics on the procedure.
Earlier today, Randy’s publicist issued a statement denying surgery although the explanation given, that he had a ventricular assist device implanted, would indicate that some invasive procedure had taken place.
In a statement, the rep said “Contrary to reports, Randy Travis has not undergone heart surgery. Travis is being treated for viral cardiomyopathy. Travis was admitted into a Texas hospital on Sunday and underwent placement of an IMPELLA peripheral left ventricular assist device for stabilization prior to transferring hospitals.”
As the device is inserted into the heart via the blood vessels through the groin, much as stents and other procedures are done, it would mean that Travis did not have an open heart surgery.
Whether his transfer to another facility has been made and what further procedures will be performed is not known at this time.
