The patient,
recipient of the ABIOMED, Inc.'s AbioCor replacement heart, was
taken off a ventilator yesterday and was successfully breathing
on his own. Because of the patient's previously described severely
weakened condition, the patient was returned to ventilator support
to allow him to gain strength and to rest.
This is not an unexpected occurrence
for any patient in this condition, and the physicians expect to
remove the ventilator within days. While recovering from major
surgery, patients with end-stage congestive heart failure may
periodically need ventilator support for short intervals of time
during recovery.
In keeping with our previously
announced intent to observe a quiet period because of patient
privacy and confidentiality, Jewish Hospital/University of Louisville
public relations will provide updates when appropriate. We anticipate
the next update to be early next week.
