LOUISVILLE — The first recipient of a totally implantable artificial heart could be home for Christmas, his doctor said Monday.

        Without the AbioCor device, Robert Tools was given little chance of living 30 days. In the nearly four months since surgery, Mr. Tools' artificial heart has beat tens of millions of times. He takes strolls in the park, dines out at restaurants and has gone fishing, Dr. Robert Dowling said.

        During one round of therapy, Tools lifted 50 pounds — about a third of his own weight, said Dr. Dowling, who with Dr. Laman Gray Jr. implanted the artificial pump into Mr. Tools' chest at Jewish Hospital.

        Mr. Tools' endurance is improving as he makes almost daily excursions from the hospital, but he needs to put on weight, Dr. Dowling said.

        Mr. Tools is making plans for the holidays, and what he hopes will be life away from the hospital. Mr. Tools wants to spend Thanksgiving at home, but that may be a bit soon given his subpar nutritional status, Dr. Dowling said after speaking at an event focusing on medical research in Louisville.

        The U.S. Food and Drug Administration must approve any discharge plan for Mr. Tools, 59, of Franklin, Ky., Since receiving the AbioCor on July 2, three others have been implanted with the softball-sized device.

        The titanium and plastic pump is made by Abiomed Inc. of Danvers, Mass.

Jurors weigh verdict on Jorg
Witness describes Owensby arrest
One girl pleads in poison case
Ross student excels on all fields
Luken, Fuller to debate on live TV
City officials rap chief
Issue 6 subsidizes candidates
Levy gives agency vital funds
Neyer pulls company out of Banks plan
PULFER: Are we allowed to laugh yet?
Anderson argues sign placement
Congrats
Good News: La Salle 'Truck' rolls on
Local Digest
Deerfield settles clerk's suit
Foes' lawsuit over Millikin Woods halted
Hummer Park work progresses
Rural acreage rarer
'Shaken baby' trial under way
Third Butler skate park on way
Two school candidates are shoo-ins
School celebrates national award
Teen makes a difference for orphans
Family won't budge for TANK
Heart-device patient better
Kentucky Digest
Patriotic planners think big
Hunting policy called 'revenge on Kentucky'