The statement on Knievel's site ( www.evelknievel.com) says the operation was "completed successfully" and "the next few days are critical" in determining how he will accept the transplant.

CNN: Showbuzz

Surgeons have successfully completed a heart bypass operation on a patient who was left awake throughout.

BBC: Heart bypass - with local anaesthetic

Surgeons in the United States announced in July this year that they had successfully completed a heart bypass operation on a patient who was left awake throughout.

BBC: heart op