Former VP Mike Pence Has Successful Surgery to Implant Pacemaker

Vice President Mike Pence speaks during a memorial service for the late Air Force Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager in Charleston, W. Va., on Jan. 15, 2021. Chris Jackson/AP Photo

Former Vice President Mike Pence has undergone surgery to have a pacemaker implanted to treat symptoms related to a slow heart rate, his office said on Thursday.

Pence underwent the heart procedure on Wednesday at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus in Falls Church, Virginia. His office said the former vice president’s surgery was successful and he is expected to recover and return to normal activity soon.

“I am grateful for the swift professionalism and care of the outstanding doctors, nurses and staff at Inova Heart and Vascular Institute,” Pence said in the statement. “My family has been truly blessed by the work of these dedicated healthcare professionals.”

The 61-year-old disclosed his medical history in 2016, which included a diagnosis of an asymptomatic left bundle branch block.

Pence recently launched a policy and advocacy group that will promote Trump-era policies and defend them from “liberal attacks and media distortions.” The group named Advancing American Freedom will also promote traditional Conservative values and seeks to combat an anticipated ideological shift to the left amid Joe Biden’s presidency.

“Conservatives will not stand idly by as the radical Left and the new administration attempt to threaten America’s standing as the greatest Nation in the world with their destructive policies,” the former vice president said at the time.

The former vice president has also signed a deal with Simon & Schuster to publish two books, one being an autobiography that would detail his career path and his time serving as the nation’s second top official.

News about his surgery drew well-wishes from his friends and former colleagues.

Pence is expected to deliver his first public speech since leaving office at the end of April at the Palmetto Family Council’s annual fundraiser in South Carolina.