Robert Tools
Robert Tools addresses the national media for the first time on Aug. 21, 2001, more than a month after receiving the first-ever, fully-contained artificial heart.
The softball-sized device was implanted on July 2. But due to bleeding and organ failure stemming from his prior health problems, Tools, 59, died that November after 151 days with the device. His death, doctor’s said, did not result from having the device.
