News Releases

ARTIFICIAL HEART PATIENT, BOB TOOLS, CELEBRATES 60-DAY MARK

Surgeons report that the AbioCor device continues to work well

(Louisville, Ky.) - The University of Louisville surgeons who implanted an AbioCor totally Implantable Replacement Heart device in Bob Tools at Jewish Hospital on July 2 reported today that Mr. Tools continues to improve as the team marks the 60-day milestone.

Drs. Laman Gray and Rob Dowling announced that, as reported earlier, Mr. Tools continues to spend a great deal of his time out of his hospital room, taking short walks and visiting other areas of the hospital. "We are extremely encouraged by Bob's desire and determination to stay active and interactive," Gray explained.

While Mr. Tools' kidney and liver function have improved and remain in the normal range of function, he has continued to battle the gastrointestinal bleeding that he has had since before the July 2 operation. "The device, which minimizes or eliminates clotting problems, has allowed us to safely adjust Bob's anti-coagulation therapy while addressing his GI bleeding," Dowling said.

Mr. Tools continues to work with a physical therapist from Frazier Rehab Institute each day. These activities include light weight training, stationary bike exercise, balancing activities and sitting/standing maneuvers. This regimen is designed to improve general conditioning, muscle strength and endurance.

###

Jewish Hospital is among the top ten cardiac centers in the United States and, along with the University of Louisville, is dedicated to excellence in clinical care, research and education. University of Louisville surgeons at Jewish Hospital have performed many heart care "firsts," including Kentucky's first heart transplant, the world's first heart transplant following the use of a Thoratec bi-ventricular assist device, the world's first endoscopic saphenous vein harvest and the first ventricular remodeling in the region.

Printer friendly version (Adobe Acrobat Reader Required)