Argentine rock star Gustavo Cerati in intensive care after brain surgery in Venezuela

Argentine rocker Cerati in critical condition

CARACAS, Venezuela — Argentine rock star Gustavo Cerati was in intensive care Wednesday after undergoing brain surgery for a potentially fatal blood clot.

The 50-year-old former singer of the Argentine band Soda Stereo suffered a stroke Saturday when he fainted at the end of a concert, said Vladimir Fuenmayor, one of his doctors.

Hospital director Adolfredo Saez described it Tuesday as a transient ischemic attack, often called a mini-stroke, in which blood flow is reduced and prevents the brain from functioning properly.

Cerati underwent surgery Tuesday, and since then “he has remained in critical condition receiving the appropriate treatment,” Saez told reporters Wednesday.

He said earlier that the surgery opened a “a window to allow the pressure to diminish and prevent the brain stem from swelling, which could cause death.”

Saez told reporters it was premature to predict Cerati’s recovery, saying: “The first 72 hours are critical.”

A group of Argentine doctors was expected to arrive in Venezuela and evaluate Cerati on Thursday, said Santiago Otero, president of Evenpro, the entertainment company that organized Cerati’s concert.

Soda Stereo was a prominent Latin American rock band until it broke up in 1997. Since then, Cerati has had a successful solo career.

His surgery prompted an outpouring of support from other Latin American musicians and fans.

“We must have faith,” said drummer Charly Alberti, who was in Soda Stereo with Cerati. “My head has been boiling since I found out on Sunday.”

Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin wrote on Twitter: “Strength Cerati, we want you well!”