Robert L. Tools (July 31 1942 – November 30 2001) was the world's first recipient of a fully self-contained artificial heart called AbioCor. The operation took place on July 2, 2001. He survived for 151 days without a living heart. Dr. Joseph Fredi at Saint Thomas Hospital suggested the experimental procedure based on his knowledge of a research project by Abiomed.

See also

• Barney Clark, the first recipient of the Jarvik-7, a non-self-contained artificial heart.