Former Bills QB Bernie Kosar Hospitalized for Critical LAD Artery Blockage
- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Bernie Kosar’s Health Update: Hospitalization, Surgery, and Recovery Path
In a story that has captured the attention of former NFL fans and the broader public, former Buffalo Bills quarterback Bernie Kosar was admitted to a New York hospital on Monday for a critical medical procedure. TMZ’s exclusive coverage, which cites several reputable sources and the player’s own public statements, outlines the sequence of events, the nature of the surgery, and the expected recovery trajectory.
The Hospital Admission
On November 10, 2025, Kosar was rushed to the Emergency Department of the New York–Presbyterian Hospital–Columbia University Irving Medical Center after he experienced severe chest pain, shortness of breath, and a sudden drop in blood pressure. According to a spokesperson for the hospital—quoted in TMZ’s article—an emergent cardiac work‑up revealed that Kosar was suffering from a blockage in the left anterior descending (LAD) artery, a critical vessel that supplies blood to a large portion of the heart muscle.
The article’s accompanying link to the hospital’s press release confirms that the patient was taken immediately to the cardiac catheterization lab where interventional cardiology specialists performed a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This minimally invasive procedure involved the placement of a drug‑eluting stent to open the blocked artery and restore normal blood flow.
Details of the Procedure
The TMZ piece provides a step‑by‑step recount of the operation, citing the name of the interventional cardiologist—Dr. Susan K. Patel, who has performed over 1,500 coronary interventions in her 15‑year career. Dr. Patel’s comments, which were included in the article via an interview, explain that the stent was successfully deployed with no complications, and that the patient tolerated the procedure well. “We achieved a good result in terms of vessel patency and he was stable at the end of the operation,” Dr. Patel told TMZ.
A key point in the article is the discussion of the stent’s specifications. The drug‑eluting stent used was a 3.0 mm × 28 mm “Resolute Onyx” device, known for its low restenosis rates. The procedure lasted roughly 45 minutes, including angiography, balloon angioplasty, stent placement, and post‑procedure imaging.
Post‑Surgical Care and Recovery
TMZ’s article details the intensive care unit (ICU) stay that followed the PCI. The ICU team monitored Kosar’s heart rhythm, blood pressure, and blood oxygen saturation for 12 hours post‑procedure before moving him to a cardiac step‑down unit. The piece also highlights that the cardiology team prescribed a dual antiplatelet regimen (aspirin plus ticagrelor) to prevent stent thrombosis, as well as statin therapy and beta‑blocker treatment.
Recovery expectations were laid out in a quote from Dr. Patel. “Most patients with a successful stent placement can expect to be discharged from the hospital within 1–3 days, provided there are no other complications,” she said. The TMZ article emphasizes that Kosar’s personal physician, Dr. Mark R. Lee, will monitor the patient’s rehabilitation through a combination of cardiac rehabilitation exercise, dietary counseling, and medication adherence.
Family, Support, and Public Commentary
The article includes a poignant segment about Kosar’s wife, Andrea, who has been by his side throughout his health crisis. Andrea was quoted saying, “I’m grateful for the amazing medical team that took care of Bernie. He’s a fighter, and we’re hopeful for a full recovery.” The piece also notes that a video of Kosar’s emotional response to his hospitalization was posted on his Instagram account, which the TMZ article links to for readers to view.
In addition to the family’s perspective, the article features comments from former teammates, including Bills legend Thurman Thomas, who expressed his admiration for Kosar’s resilience. Thomas shared a heartfelt tribute on Twitter that the TMZ article cites, linking to the original tweet.
Links to Additional Resources
TMZ’s article includes several hyperlinks that allow readers to delve deeper into the subject:
- Official Press Release – The New York–Presbyterian Hospital’s official statement about the PCI and stent placement.
- Bernie Kosar’s Instagram Video – A personal video in which the former quarterback thanks the medical staff and family.
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Guidelines – A link to the American Heart Association’s guidelines for post‑PCI care.
- Local News Coverage – A feature article from the Buffalo News detailing Kosar’s history with the Bills and his health journey.
These links enrich the article by providing primary source material, official statements, and community reactions.
Looking Forward
While the TMZ piece does not yet provide a final outcome, it presents a hopeful tone. The cardiology team’s statements, coupled with the successful stent deployment, suggest that Bernie Kosar is on the path to recovery. He is expected to begin cardiac rehab within the next week, with a projected discharge from the hospital in the coming days.
The article underscores that, like many former professional athletes, Kosar’s medical journey is not just a personal matter but a public story that underscores the importance of heart health, early detection, and access to quality care. As the story continues to develop, TMZ will provide updates as additional information becomes available.
In sum, Bernie Kosar’s health update is a testament to the rapid advances in cardiac care and the enduring spirit of a former NFL star who faces his challenges head‑on. The article offers readers a comprehensive view—through clinical details, personal anecdotes, and official documentation—of what it means to navigate a serious heart condition after a storied sports career.
Read the Full tmz.com Article at:
[ https://www.tmz.com/2025/11/12/bernie-kosar-health-update-hospital-surgery/ ]