Olsen tells a tale of “pioneering science,” drawing from University of Utah records as well as his own personal papers, to narrate a story of research perseverance, overcoming challenges, and the advancement of a life-saving technology. Olsen, who participated in Clark’s surgery and whose career spanned forty years with the Utah artificial-heart program. This is what makes True Valor such an enticing read since it is written by artificial-heart researcher and veterinarian Don B. Comments over conference cocktails by many artificial-heart scientists imply that much has been missed or simply misunderstood about “what really happened” by those outside the field. ![]() Scholars Renee Fox, Judith Swazey, Barton Berstein, Baron Lerner, and others have all weighed in on the meaning of this case, while the historical participants have largely restricted their analyses to the scientific literature. It was a significant case for its technological achievement as well as for the subsequent debate surrounding the issues of human experimentation, informed consent, patient autonomy, quality of life, and more. The media reported the case in great detail, rooting for Clark’s recovery and framing him as a hero for being the first permanently implanted artificial-heart patient. He battled seizures, respiratory problems, a broken heart valve, confusion, and clear mobility limitations due to being tethered to a 418-pound, “big blue” power console. But Clark’s clinical experience was rocky, and he never left hospital. He lived a remarkable 112 days with the artificial heart after his own diseased heart was removed. ![]() Tough to argue that it did not take courage for patient, Barney Clark, to agree to be implanted with an experimental mechanical heart in 1982.
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