Former New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns is off life support and recovering in hospital after emergency surgery on his heart.

Cairns had surgery in Canberra after a "major medical event" earlier this month but was transferred to St Vincent's in Sydney for another cardiovascular operation.

The 51-year-old was reported by the New Zealand media to have suffered an aortic dissection – a tear in the body's main artery.

Cairns' lawyer, Aaron Lloyd, confirmed he has regained consciousness and has been able to interact with his family including his wife Melanie.

"I'm pleased to advise that Chris is off life support and has been able to communicate with his family from a hospital in Sydney," Lloyd said in a statement.

"He and his family are thankful for all of the support and well wishes from everyone, and for the privacy they have been afforded.

"They request that this continues as they focus on his recovery moving forward."

Cairns played 62 Tests, 215 ODIs and two Twenty20 games for the Black Caps between 1989 and 2006.

His father Lance also played cricket for New Zealand.