I am alive due to the skill of cardiothoracic surgeon Prof. John M. Kratz, MD. He did two heart related surgeries on me at the Medical University of South Carolina and I did not have any complications (infection, bleeding, etc...) either time. On Monday I needed to have some abandoned ICD leads extracted and a new ICD pulse generator/lead implanted and was considering going to the Cleveland Clinic to get it done. Instead I had it done locally by Dr. Kratz and I am thankful I did. I think he as done the procedure over 700 times. read more