
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, September 13, 1994                   TAG: 9409140010
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: C-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: ANN ARBOR, MICH.                                LENGTH: Short

IRVAN'S CONDITION FAIR AFTER SURGERIES

Race car driver Ernie Irvan was in fair condition Monday after undergoing three planned surgical procedures, doctors said.

Drs. Saeed Farhat and Lawrence Ho closed the opening left by Irvan's tracheostomy to improve Irvan's ability to speak, said Dr. Errol Erlandson, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital's vascular and trauma surgeon.

The doctors also drained fluid in the ear canal to improve his hearing and placed a valve mechanism to prevent the possibility of increased spinal fluid buildup in the brain, Erlandson said.

``The valve mechanism, known as a ventricular-jugular shunt, is basically a drainage tube that works only when there is excess fluid present,'' he said. ``It's a permanent method to prevent fluid pressure buildup and will in no way preclude any future activity on Mr. Irvan's part.''

Irvan received severe head and lung injuries when his car slammed into a concrete wall during an Aug. 20 practice session at Michigan International Speedway.

Erlandson said the medical team continues to be encouraged by Irvan's daily improvement.

His short-term recall and orientation continues to improve, he said. He is building strength and his activity level continues to increase, Erlandson added.

Plans to transfer Irvan to a hospital near his home in Concord, N.C., have not been finalized, Erlandson said.

Keywords:
AUTO RACING

by CNB