[Source: The Arizona Republic] – After living in a hospital for about two years, Charles Okeke has finally returned home.
The 43-year-old Phoenix resident was at the Mayo Clinic from 2008 until early this month. His lengthy recovery wasn’t due to the artificial heart in his chest – it was the bulky 400-pound machine that anchored and powered the artificial heart.
He wasn’t able to leave the hospital with the large machine following his every step. Okeke’s freedom came after doctors swapped out the large, blood-pumping “driver” with a 13-pound version that fits in a backpack.
For more information: Robotic heart sets a patient free