U of M president treated for pulmonary embolism

University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks is recovering from a pulmonary embolism and a blood clot in his leg, which he experienced while hiking on a family vacation in Washington State.

"A pulmonary embolism is a sudden blockage in an artery in the lung, usually caused by a blood clot in the leg called a deep vein thrombosis that breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream to the lung," said Dr. David Ingbar of the University of Minnesota Medical School.

Deep vein thrombosis is a complication of long airplane flights which can develop when a person sits the entire time.

"Simply getting up and walking briefly once an hour, and keeping hydrated during a flight, likely reduces the risk," said Ingbar.

Bruininks will remain in Washington to be treated for the embolism, and he won't be allowed to travel temporarily. Bruininks is expected to recover fully, and he plans to return to Minnesota within the next seven to 10 days.

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