There, the solution chills the blood. Ruiz's body temperature dropped to 91 degrees, slowing his metabolism. In turn, his heart did not have to work so hard, giving doctors extra time to clear the blocked artery. Sherman says the chilling slows the rate at which the heart's cells die in a heart attack. But David Ruiz is only the second person in the United States to undergo this procedure.
Preliminary trials are underway now, and similar treatments are used for stroke patients.
It is likely to be years before the practice becomes widespread. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. What to do if you're sued. McGraw-Hill Companies .