Saginaw mayor to undergo open heart surgery

Saginaw mayor to have open heart surgery

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Mayor Greg Branch

SAGINAW, MI (WNEM) -

Saginaw will have a new leader at the helm for several weeks as Mayor Greg Branch is set to undergo open heart surgery.

Branch told WNEM TV5 the procedure will take place Aug. 7. Doctors hope to correct a mitral valve insufficiency – something similar to a heart murmur.

The mayor says one of his valves is not closing properly, causing blood to become congested in his heart.

The 55-year-old said his doctor discovered the problem during a routine exam. Branch said he's dealt with the issue for the past 18 years, but the problem has recently gotten worse.

Current mayor pro-tem Dennis Browning will serve as acting mayor while Branch recovers.

Branch's recovery is expected to take at least five weeks.

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Saginaw mayor to undergo open heart surgery - WNEM TV 5

Saginaw mayor to have open heart surgery

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One dead in motorcycle accident, another injured

Police: Man kicks in family's door, curls up on floor

Man kicks in family's door, curls up on floor

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