I added this to my original question, but seeing as you've been so kind as to enquire, I'll repeat it here :o)
Update as promised (now that you are back here). He had the op on the 6th October.
5 and a half hours surgery; he lost a consierable amount of blood...........but they put it all back, so that's ok.
Off to a racing start recovery-wise until two NSTEM.I.'s blind-sided him (and us)on Saturday, when we nearly lost him; resulting Pulmonary Oedema has now been successfully treated. After being back in ICU for a spell he's now on a SHC unit.
He has to gain strength before they will take him to the Coronary Unit in order to find out just how badly his heart has been affected.
But the old goat is still with us.....laughing and joking and charming the nurses.