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Press Releases

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) continues on a positive recovery track following successful heart surgery. The Senator’s family and medical team are sharing information about the procedure to remedy the acute aortic dissection he was diagnosed with early Tuesday morning and his prognosis.

“Senator Boozman is doing amazingly well after surgery to replace his ascending aorta. One reason he is doing so well is because of his great physical condition. At this time, we expect the Senator to have a full recovery. He should be able to return to his full duties without any restrictions in the future,” said Dr. E.J. Chauvin, the Mercy Cardiac & Thoracic surgeon, who performed the surgery.

Boozman was moved from the intensive care unit (ICU) to a private recovery room yesterday. As he continues to regain strength, Boozman has been conversational with family for long stretches of the day and walking frequently with the aid of medical staff.  

“The Senator is mobile and conversational to the extent that he can be given the discomfort this procedure creates. He’s spent a great deal of time talking with his family and even spoke briefly with his Chief of Staff. We are told these are all excellent signs that his recovery is on the right track,” spokesman Patrick Creamer said.

Boozman’s family, who continues to be with him at the hospital, released a statement on Wednesday expressing their gratitude for the prayers, kind words and well-wishes that have come from Arkansans and people all across the country. They also expressed their gratitude for the excellent care the doctors, nurses and medical staff at Mercy Hospital are providing.

Eric Pianalto, Mercy Hospital President, shared, “We are thankful for Senator Boozman’s family’s confidence and faith in us here at Mercy. Our team of providers and physicians are certainly trained and ready for these types of conditions. While it has been a difficult time for him and his family, we’re glad they are here to receive the compassionate care and exceptional service we strive to offer all of our Northwest Arkansas community.” 

Mercy is the sixth largest Catholic health care system in the U.S. and serves more than 3 million people annually. Mercy includes 33 acute care hospitals, four heart hospitals, two children’s hospitals, two rehab hospitals and one orthopedic hospital, nearly 700 clinic and outpatient facilities, 40,000 co-workers and more than 2,100 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has outreach ministries in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. 

Please direct any questions to Senator Boozman’s official office and respect the family’s privacy at this time. At the family’s request, Mercy Hospital cannot give out his room information or allow visitors.