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AbioCor Patient Experiences Minor Setback
Complication was anticipated by physicians

(Louisville, KY) - The University of Louisville physicians who implanted the world's first self-contained replacement heart at Jewish Hospital on July 2 today announced that the patient has experienced an "anticipated" setback.

Dr. Laman Gray explained that the patient, who had been feeling well enough to take walks through the hospital and joke with staff, was returned to temporary ventilator support last Thursday to assist in the clearing of secretions that had built up in his lungs.

"We see this type of infection relatively frequently in VAD patients," Gray explained. "We planned for complications of this nature and are treating the patient accordingly."

Dr. Gray further explained that the patient has developed a lung infection and was running a fever, but was being treated with antibiotics. The patient's previously announced intestinal bleeding continues to be an issue in his care; however the patient is responding well to low doses of anti-clotting medications.

The clinical team is still concerned about the patient's nourishment, and he continues to receive between 2000 and 3000 calories per day.

Even with the complications, the patient continues to improve in other areas. "His kidney function has returned to almost normal," Gray continued. "This is the first time in years that his kidneys have been near the normal range."

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