Artificial Heart Recipient Dead

Nov. 30 -- Robert Tools, the world's first recipient of a self-contained artificial heart, died today, nearly six months after doctors implanted the experimental device into his body.

The 59-year-old diabetic received the titanium-plastic heart pump July 2 at Jewish Hospital in Louisville, Ky.

But Thursday Tools began bleeding in his abdominal area due to a continuous blood clotting problem related to a severe, chronic medical condition he had prior to the operation. The bleeding led to a multi-organ system failure Thursday night, causing his body to shut down, doctors said. He died this afternoon.

"Bob became a dear friend to all of us. We will miss Bob's laugh, his sense of humor and his fighting spirit," said Dr. Robert Dowling, one of the surgeons who implanted the artificial heart.

"Our sympathy and support go out to his family and to all those who knew and loved Bob," Rowling said. "His pioneering spirit will long live on in the fight against heart disease."

Landmark Surgery

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The former telephone company employee and teacher moved from Colorado to Kentucky five years ago, hoping to receive a heart transplant. But doctor's considered him a poor candidate because he was too weak, unable to walk more than a few steps at a time. Without hesitation, he agreed to the landmark surgery once the device was perfected.

"Jewish didn't seek me out, I came to Jewish, because I was dying," Tools said back in July. "We contacted Jewish and I came here and was accepted into the program. I asked for it because I knew I had no more chances."

Setbacks Almost from the Start

Two weeks after the surgery, Tools was put back on a ventilator to assist his breathing. He also had developed an infection and was running a fever, but the mechanical heart continued to pump without problems.

Then, three weeks ago, Tools suffered a stroke. According to a statement from the hospital, the latest episode of bleeding was unrelated.

Before the stroke, however, he had been doing well and was able to enjoy life.