Fantastic news -- hope the recovery is smooth as well.
Re the local cardiologist who was reluctant to do the procedure . . it is a huge confidence builder that (a) he was forthright enough to be clear about his reservations, and (b) there was a doc elsewhere who has done this procedure many times, and is fully competent and experienced to do it for 'our' Dr. Bob. The best of both worlds. The last thing needed is for a lesser experienced practitioner (in any field (including boat repair)), to leap in over his/her head, with less than optimal results.
Whew -- A big sigh of relief from this end!
Good luck, Dr. B., and best wishes for a speedy recovery.
iggy