Robert Tools was the first recipient of a self-contained artificial heart. Tools, 59, of Franklin, KY, received the AbioCor mechanical heart on July 2, 2001, after he had been told that he would probably not live longer than a month if he didn't have the operation. He recuperated enough to be able to go fishing and to eat at restaurants, but then suffered a stroke in November and died of internal bleeding and organ failure 151 days after receiving the new organ.
Last updated: March 24, 2009.
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| Robert L. Tools | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 31, 1942 Mobile, Alabama, United States |
| Died | November 30, 2001 (aged 59) Kentucky, United States |
| Occupation | Retired phone company technical librarian and former Chicago Public School teacher |
| Spouse | Carol |
| Children | 2 adult children; Chandra and Carlin |
Robert L. Tools (July 31, 1942 – November 30, 2001) was the world's first recipient of a fully self-contained artificial heart, called AbioCor. The operation took place on July 2, 2001. He survived for 151 days without a living heart.[citation needed] 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, Jay Leno, and CNN.[citation needed] As a result of Robert's press, he received visits from Lt. Governors, The Oak Ridge Boys, and Muhammad Ali. 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.[citation needed]
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