Worlds longest-living artificial heart patient dies

Brit Peter Houghton, the worlds longest-living artificial heart patient has died at the age of 68.

London, Dec 3 : Brit Peter Houghton, the world's longest-living artificial heart patient has died at the age of 68.

He was given the first permanent mechanical heart given in 2000, which was previously used only as a stopgap after a normal transplant.

The metallic heart had a wire that ran through a hole behind Houghton's ears and were connected to batteries on his waist.

But seven and half years later, the former psychotherapist suffered suspected multiple organ dysfunction.

As Houghton's health grew worse, he spent the past two months in a nursing home

Pal John Lloyd revealed that Mr Houghton's condition had deteriorated very quickly towards his end.

"It's a such a tragedy. Peter was a great guy and such a likeable man who did so much for so many. But his condition deteriorated very quickly towards the end," Mirror quoted Lloyd, as saying.

Mr Houghton, after the 300,000 pounds operation had said: "I live a normal life, although I daren't go swimming in case I electrocute myself."

ANI