WASHINGTON — Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg had a heart stent implanted today to clear a blocked coronary artery but she was expected to be back at work for the start of next week, court officials said.

The 81-year-old justice had the procedure at MedStar Washington Hospital Center after the blockage to her right coronary artery was discovered, court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg said.

Arberg said Ginsburg had some discomfort Tuesday night during routine exercise at the court with her personal trainer and was taken to the hospital by ambulance at about 10 p.m. The justice is expected to leave the hospital within the next 48 hours.

“She expects to be on the bench on Monday” when the court next hears oral arguments, Arberg said.

Ginsburg has for years been fending off questions about whether she should leave the court, brought on in part by her health. She had colon cancer in 1999, pancreatic cancer in 2009 and has suffered broken ribs. Still, she has not missed any time on the job.

She has served on the court since President Bill Clinton appointed her in 1993.