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Teen who fell from pole has surgery

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By JOSH POLTILOVE

jpoltilove@tampatrib.com

Published: October 6, 2009

TAMPA - Surgeons have removed two blood clots from a teen who received a massive shock when he climbed a power pole while trying to photograph a sunset, a family spokesman said.

The left arm of Alexander "Avi" Davidson was operated on Sunday night as a result of the clots, Michael Barnett said.

"The vascular surgeons removed two blood clots and successfully restored blood flow," Barnett wrote in an e-mail Monday to The Tampa Tribune. "As of this morning, the doctors feel the surgery was a success."

Barnett said Avi was able to open and close his eyes on command and could move the fingers of his right hand.

"His oxygen levels are also back up," Barnett wrote. "All good news."

Davidson, 16, is at Tampa General Hospital.

He burned more than 50 percent of his body and is unable to move his legs after coming too close to power lines Thursday. Family members said he climbed a utility pole near the Northdale Recreation Center, at 5324 Northdale Blvd. in Carrollwood, while trying to photograph a sunset.

He recently took up photography as a hobby.

He fell about 35 feet after being shocked. Davidson has broken ribs, a broken left hand and spinal column fractures, family members said.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at (813) 259-7691.

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