Jerry Sandusky recovers from heart valve repair surgery at 82

Jerry Sandusky, 82, underwent heart valve repair surgery at UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh and has since returned to the State Correctional Institution at Laurel Highlands in Pennsylvania, WRAL reported.

The surgery was minimally invasive, with surgeons accessing the heart through Sandusky's side rather than the traditional method of cutting through the breastbone and spreading the ribs, according to artvoice.com.

Sandusky said the damaged valve had been an issue for years and that he and his doctors had discussed surgery for three years before proceeding. The valve was repaired rather than replaced during the operation.

He described the surgery as rougher than expected and said he remains in constant pain, using a wheelchair since returning to prison. Despite this, he intends to continue pursuing his post-conviction case in federal court.

Security measures during his hospital stay included being chained to his bed and guarded by two officers at all times, with at least one inside the room, as reported by artvoice.com.