Artificial Heart Recipient Dead

Nov. 30, 2001 -- 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

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.

"Bob and I were able to participate in a lot of fun activities over the past couple of months, more so than in the past few years. He was able to enjoy a better quality of life than we could ever had imagined," said his wife, Carol Tools.

A Learning Experience

Experts point out that devices such as this are first tested in very ill people, and the outcomes don't necessarily mean the device wasn't working.

A lot of the problems people run into are what doctors call co-morbidities in the patient, says Dr. Frank Pagani, the director of the heart transplant program at the University of Michigan. "There's a learning curve, and as we become better and understand the device better, the outcomes will be better," Pagani said. "I do not think this experience reflects adversely on the device itself."

Dr. Arthur Feldman, director of the Cardiovascular Institute at the University of Pittsburgh, said that while this new technology is promising, it's important to remember that the use of the devices remains investigational. Tools was the sixth person to receive the artificial heart.

"As more patients receive the device, investigators will learn additional information about the true risks of the device, what patients can benefit the most, and where technologic hurdles still exist," he said. "Furthermore, as more devices undergo clinical testing, we will have the opportunity to compare various devices one with each other."

Positive Person

Tools was first introduced to the media back in July, more than a month after receiving the transplant in August.

Melony Scott and her husband Donnie, neighbors of his in Colorado, described their friend as a man with amazing will and energy. "He's real upbeat and positive," said Melony Scott at the time.

His son, Carlin Tools, said his father was a strong man.

"My father exhibited great strength and courage, that of a champion, while going through his fight for life. We celebrate his life, lessons and contribution to countless others who may one day benefit from the AbioCor artificial heart."

And in an earlier interview, Tools said he had no regrets about undergoing the procedure. "I realize that death is inevitable, but I also realize that if there's an opportunity to extend [life], you take it."