Juwan Howard undergoes successful heart surgery
Michigan basketball coach Juwan Howard underwent a successful heart procedure Sept. 15th at the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center, the school reported. Dr. Himanshu Patel successfully resected an aortic aneurysm and repaired Howard’s aortic valve.
Patel indicated that Howard is expected to fully recover in six to 12 weeks and could return to the program in four to six weeks. Michigan associate head coach Phil Martelli will serve as the interim head coach during Howard’s recovery process, while Saddi Washington and Howard Eisley will maintain their assistant roles. Director of player personnel and development Jay Smith will be elevated to the third assistant during the interim period.
“I feel so grateful and blessed that this surgery was performed at University of Michigan Health,” Howard said. “My wife, Jenine, and our family appreciate the world-class care that has been provided to us. Dr. (Kim) Eagle, Dr. (Himanshu) Patel, Dr. (Stanley) Chetcuti, and all of the staff at the Frankel Cardiovascular Center are so talented and performed like champions throughout this process. I am going to work very hard in my rehabilitation to be stronger than ever by the time our upcoming season is upon us.”
Howard is the second straight Michigan coach to undergo successful heart surgery during his tenure. Former coach John Beilein had two-vessel coronary bypass graft surgery in 2018 designed to improve blood flow to the heart by taking a healthy artery or vein from another part of the body and grafting it to the obstructed coronary artery.
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Howard’s condition was identified during a routine medical check and surgery was schedule immediately to allow him to return for the 2023-24 season.
“We are extremely grateful Juwan’s proactive procedure was a success and that he is resting comfortably,” Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said. “We will continue to support Juwan, Jenine and his family as well as the program throughout his absence. All of us at the athletic department have Juwan in our thoughts and prayers. We look forward to Juwan’s return when he feels that he has fully recovered.”
