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Former Ohio State star undergoes ‘small procedure’ for heart condition

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

A former Ohio State star recently underwent a “small procedure” to fix an irregular heartbeat, according to a report on Tuesday.

NFL.com reporter Ian Rapoport reported on Tuesday that former Buckeye and current Carolina Panthers wide receiver Curtis Samuel had a “small procedure” to fix an irregular heartbeat and is likely to miss the team’s Week 1 game against the Cowboys.

It’s not often that you’ll find the phrase “small procedure” attached to any kind of heart situation, but medical professionals confirm that, even though it has been treated seriously, it shouldn’t be a major issue.

David J. Chao, who goes by the alias Pro Football Doc on Twitter and in his columns for the San Diego Union-Tribune, offered his thoughts on the procedure. He has 17 years experience as a team doctor.

No question the situation was treated seriously, but this probably will be a blip on the screen for Curtis Samuel and the Panthers.

I have not examined Samuel nor seen his EKG, but this almost certainly was not anything life-threatening or even significant in terms of threatening his career.

The most common irregularity is atrial fibrillation, where there is an abnormal electrical signal in his heart. Often this is treated with medication, but sometimes players feel groggy or somewhat unsettled on the medication and an ablation procedure (where the source of the abnormal signal is destroyed) is performed instead.

This is typically a minor outpatient cardiac procedure in which a cannula (small tube) is inserted into the vessels.

It does certainly seem likely Samuel will miss the Panthers’ season opener, but an absence beyond that should not be anticipated.

So while the words “irregular heartbeat” are most certainly scary, it sounds like Samuel will be back on the field after Carolina’s season opener against the Cowboys.

Last season, Samuel played in nine games for the Panthers, making 15 catches for 115 yards.

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB