First Artificial Heart Patient Discharged from Hospital
February 19th, 1985
February 19th, 1985

How Long Ago?
40 years, 24 days ago
Location
Houston, Texas, USA
Category
Health & Medicine
People
- William J. Schroeder
- Dr. Robert Jarvik
- Dr. Barney Clark
Links & References
Tags
First Artificial Heart Patient Discharged from Hospital
William J. Schroeder became the first person to leave a hospital after receiving an artificial heart. The groundbreaking procedure was performed by Dr. Barney Clark in 1982 on a different patient, but Schroeder became the first to walk out after the transplant. He had received the Jarvik-7 heart, which was developed by Dr. Robert Jarvik. His discharge from the hospital garnered significant media attention and marked an important milestone in medical history, providing hope for future advancements in heart surgery and artificial organs.
First use of artificial heart to leave hospital
Patient lived with artificial heart for over three months
Jarvik-7 heart was developed by Dr. Robert Jarvik
Increased focus on organ transplants and research
What Happened?
William J. Schroeder's discharge from the hospital represented a significant milestone in the field of medical technology and advancements in cardiac surgery. After receiving the Jarvik-7 artificial heart, he was able to leave the Texas Heart Institute in Houston, Texas, signaling a major achievement in artificial organ transplantation. Before this event, the concept of artificial hearts was still largely experimental, and questions remained about the longevity and viability of such devices in prolonged use by human patients. The Jarvik-7, invented by Dr. Robert Jarvik, was designed to replace a failing heart and keep patients alive while they awaited heart transplants. William J. Schroeder, a 52-year-old man with severe heart disease, became the first recipient to leave the hospital after living with the artificial heart for over three months. His departure was pivotal as it demonstrated that patients could survive and experience a reasonable quality of life with an artificial heart, contributing to the ongoing development of cardiac care and artificial organ technology. Schroeder's journey sparked renewed interest in the field of transplant medicine, leading to more rigorous research, trials, and eventual improvements in artificial heart technology. His experience was closely monitored by medical professionals and the media alike, serving to educate the public about artificial hearts and the future of heart disease treatment. In the following years, further advancements would lead to newer models of artificial hearts and an increase in successful transplants.
Why Does it Matter?
The discharge of William J. Schroeder as the first recipient of an artificial heart marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of cardiovascular medicine. It offered a blueprint for how patients could survive on mechanical support, which paved the way for more sophisticated artificial heart devices. Not only did this event elevate understanding and acceptance of artificial organs, but it also raised awareness about heart diseases and the pressing need for organ transplants, influencing further medical research and innovation in this field.
Discover More Historic Events from February 19th
Mya Thwe Thwe Khine: First Casualty of Protests
Mya Thwe Thwe Khine, a 19-year-old from Myanmar, was critically injured during anti-coup protests following the military coup that took place earlier in February 2021. She was shot by police while participating in a march against the junta in Naypyidaw, leading to widespread outrage and protests across the country. Her death sparked increased demonstrations, marking a significant escalation in resistance against the military government.
Continue ReadingNine Killed in Hanau Terrorist Shootings
In Hanau, Hesse, Germany, two shootings occurred at shisha bars, resulting in the deaths of nine individuals and leaving several others injured. The attacks took place in the early hours of the evening, targeting predominantly people of migrant descent, and quickly raised concerns about rising xenophobia and far-right extremism in Germany. The shooter was later found dead, along with a family member at his home, prompting investigations into his motivations and connections.
Continue ReadingForty-four killed in Apodaca prison fight
A violent confrontation erupted in the Apodaca prison in Nuevo León, Mexico, resulting in the deaths of forty-four inmates. The violence began around midnight and reportedly involved rival gangs within the prison. Authorities stated that the fight continued for hours before police were able to restore order. Despite efforts to control the situation, overcrowding and insufficient resources contributed to the unrest. This incident highlighted ongoing issues with the prison system in Mexico, particularly regarding gang violence and inadequacy in rehabilitation efforts.
Continue ReadingBelitung Shipwreck Exhibition Launches in Singapore
The debut exhibition of artifacts from the Belitung shipwreck opened at the Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore, showcasing the largest collection of Tang dynasty relics discovered together in one find. This remarkable display highlighted over 200 pieces, including pottery, gold, silver, and glassware, dating back to the 9th century. Visitors had the opportunity to witness the richness of Tang dynasty trade and culture through these invaluable artifacts, enhancing understanding of historical connections in maritime trade.
Continue ReadingMethane Explosion Claims Lives of Miners
A methane explosion occurred in a coal mine near Nueva Rosita, Mexico, tragically killing 65 miners. The explosion, which happened during a shift change, was attributed to the buildup of highly flammable methane gas. Rescue efforts were immediately initiated, but the hazardous conditions complicated the situation, leading to significant delays in retrieving the miners.
Continue ReadingIlyushin Il-76 Aircraft Crash in Iran
An Ilyushin Il-76 military aircraft crashed in Kerman, Iran, resulting in the deaths of 275 people. The plane, operated by the Iranian military, was reportedly on a routine flight when it encountered difficulties shortly after takeoff. Witnesses described seeing smoke trail and hearing explosions before the aircraft went down, emphasizing the tragic scale of the incident. This disaster is one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Iran's history and raised concerns over the safety protocols in place for military transportation.
Continue Reading