Gorbachev recovers after artery operation in Germany

BERLIN, Nov 22 (Reuters) Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev appeared to be recovering well after an operation on his carotid artery in Germany, authorities said today.

''The patient is doing well,'' said Philip Kressirer, a spokesman for Munich University Hospital where the 75-year-old Gorbachev was checked in on Sunday.

The carotid arteries are the main suppliers of blood to the brain and can narrow or become clogged with cholesterol plaques, thereby reducing blood flow to the head.

The last Soviet president had been suffering from pains in his right carotid artery and the operation was performed on Tuesday, the Gorbachev Foundation said on its Web site.

Kressirer gave no details about Gorbachev's illness and could not say how long he would remain in hospital.

REUTERS SP KP2303