Condition of first artificial heart patient
deteriorates
(Louisville, Ky.) - We are saddened
to announce that Robert Tools, the recipient of the world's first
totally implantable artificial heart on July 2 at Jewish Hospital,
is suffering a severe setback. Mr. Tools has developed bleeding
in his abdominal area due to the continuous anti-coagulation problems
that Mr. Tools has had from the onset related to his severe and
chronic medical condition. It is not anticipated that Mr. Tools
will recover from this setback.
Mr. Tools began bleeding on Thursday,
November 29, 2001, and went into multi-organ system failure late
Thursday. The bleeding Mr. Tools experienced is unrelated to the
stroke he suffered November 11. This deterioration in his condition
is not due to an AbioCor device malfunction.
Mr. Tools' family continues to be grateful
for the prayers and support they are receiving from the community.
The physicians, Mr. Tools wife, Carol,
and his children will not be available for interviews at this
time. We appreciate your continued respect for their privacy.
We will update you if there are
significant changes in Mr. Tools' status.
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