Robert L. Tools (July 31, 1942 – November 30, 2001) was the world's first recipient of a fully self-contained
artificial heart
An artificial heart is a artificial organ, device that replaces the human heart, heart. Artificial hearts are typically used as a bridge to heart transplantation, but ongoing research aims to develop a device that could permanently replace the ...
, called
AbioCor. The operation took place on July 2, 2001. He survived for 151 days without a living heart. Dr.
Joseph Fredi at
Saint Thomas Hospital suggested the experimental procedure based on his knowledge of a research project by Abiomed. While recovering from surgery, Robert had the chance to enjoy some of his favorite past time hobbies, fishing and dining out. While at Jewish Hospital, Robert became renowned and received press throughout the world on shows like Cooking Network, Dateline, ''
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
''The Tonight Show with Jay Leno'' is an American television talk show broadcast by NBC. The show is the fourth and sixth installment of ''The Tonight Show''. Hosted by Jay Leno, it aired from May 25, 1992, to May 29, 2009, replacing ''The Ton ...
'', and CNN. As a result of Robert's press, he received visits from Lt. Governors,
The Oak Ridge Boys, and
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali (; born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr.; January 17, 1942 – June 3, 2016) was an American professional boxer and social activist. A global cultural icon, widely known by the nickname "The Greatest", he is often regarded as the gr ...
. While meeting with Ali, Tools earned the name "#1 Champ" because of his fight to survive.
Due to continued complications of abdominal bleeding and a stroke, Robert died November 30, 2001.
See also
*
Barney Clark, the first recipient of the
Jarvik-7, a non-self-contained artificial heart.
References
External links
*
*http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2001/11/30/heart.htm
1942 births
2001 deaths
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