Emperor to undergo 2nd fluid extraction from chest Tuesday

Emperor Akihito, who underwent open heart surgery in February and is now rehabilitating at the Imperial Palace, will have fluids extracted from his chest for the second time Tuesday, the Imperial Household Agency said Monday.

The procedure will be performed at the Imperial Household Hospital in the palace ground in the morning.

The emperor underwent a similar treatment on March 7, having fluids extracted from the right of his chest.

Despite the procedure, he has suffered shortness of breath during exercises, apparently due to fluids remaining in the left of his chest, according to the agency. (PNA)