11.   Top Russian surgeons, who invited DeBakey, are talking about delaying the operation because of related health concerns.

12.   He said the head surgeon would be Renat Akchurin, a top Russian surgeon who had already announced that he was leading the surgical team.

13.   But he said foreign doctors would assist Russian surgeons during the operation.

14.   DeBakey, a towering figure in US medical circles, was asked by the Russian surgeons to help in preparations for the surgery.

15.   DeBakey, who pioneered the heart bypass procedure, advised the Russian surgeons operating on Yeltsin, but did not take part.

16.   Professor Renat Akchurin, the Russian surgeon who will head the team to operate on Yeltsin, previously worked with DeBakey.

17.   Russian surgeons are due to consult with US and German cardiologists before operating on Yeltsin.