Experimental Heart Operation Performed in Tucson

TUCSON, Ariz-A man in heart failure is schedule to receive one of the first fully internal heart-assist devices used in the US.

The Arizona man was scheduled to have the LionHeart 2000 implanted this morning at University Medical Center in Tucson.

The LionHeart 2000 is different from other heart-assist devices because it is not connected to an external device to help the heart pump blood. The battery-powered device is completely internal, allowing patient mobility and freedom.

The device has been implanted in four other patients in the US.

Source: www.arizonarepublic.com