Press Release:

Total Artificial Heart patient Troy Golden with his heart surgeon Dr. James Long at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center in September 2010

Statement from Dr. James Long, Troy Golden's physician

We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend, colleague and patient Troy Golden. Troy remains in the minds and hearts of all of us at the INTEGRIS Advanced Cardiac Care program as we mourn his passing.

Troy was a medical pioneer, making substantial contributions on behalf of hundreds of thousands of people suffering with progressive, deadly heart failure. He was the first in the region to receive a Total Artificial Heart. He lived independently at home with his family longer than anyone else in the United States with the Freedom portable driver. His legacy will continue to impact the lives of many.

Following his implantation with the SynCardia temporary Total Artificial Heart on Sept. 15, 2010, Troy rebounded from death's door to enjoy quality of life. He returned to a high level of functionality.

Recently, Troy inspired an audience of 400 transplant recipients, families and friends at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center as an invited speaker for the annual, region-wide "Celebration of Life" honoring organ donation and transplantation. He spoke enthusiastically of his triumphs and nobly about overcoming adversity while humorously describing living life to its fullest.

Recently, Troy experienced an unusual spinal column injury complicated by his chronic Marfan's disease, a condition that affects the integrity of tissues and ligaments. Despite heroic interventions, Troy suffered progressive compromise not compatible with life. On Dec. 28, 2011, Troy passed away peacefully with his family at his side. 

Troy and his family have forever impacted our family here at INTEGRIS. We have been honored to have shared in this great human experience. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to his wonderful wife, Darrla, his family, his congregation, his community and the thousands whose lives have been touched by Troy Golden.

Statement from SynCardia Systems, Inc.

Total Artificial Heart patient Troy Golden and his wife Darrla in November 2010

SynCardia is greatly saddened by the unexpected passing of Mr. Troy Golden, but heartened by the 15 additional months of life that he was able to enjoy with the Total Artificial Heart.

Mr. Golden made medical history when he became only the second Total Artificial Heart patient in U.S. history to be discharged from the hospital. While awaiting a donor heart, he was able to enjoy more than a year of life at home and in his community with his family and friends using the Freedom driver. He returned to preaching at his church and ministered to other congregations throughout Oklahoma, inspiring countless others with his story of hope, faith and second chances.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and congregation. It has been an honor to get to know Mr. Golden during the past 15 months of his remarkable journey, and to share his many heart-warming experiences with the world.

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About the SynCardia temporary Total Artificial Heart
SynCardia Systems, Inc. (Tucson, AZ) is the privately-held manufacturer of the world's first and only FDA, Health Canada and CE approved Total Artificial Heart. Originally used as a permanent replacement heart, SynCardia's Total Artificial Heart is currently approved as a bridge to transplant for people dying from end-stage biventricular heart failure. There have been more than 1,000 implants of the Total Artificial Heart, accounting for more than 250 patient years of life.

Similar to a heart transplant, SynCardia's Total Artificial Heart replaces both failing heart ventricles and the four heart valves, eliminating the symptoms and source of end-stage biventricular failure. Unlike a donor heart, the Total Artificial Heart is immediately available at SynCardia Certified Centers and does not require expensive anti-rejection medication, which can cause subsequent complications. It is the only device that provides immediate, safe blood flow of up to 9.5 liters per minute through both ventricles. This high volume of safe blood flow helps speed the recovery of vital organs, helping make the patient a better transplant candidate.

SynCardia Ranked #20 Among World's 50 Most Innovative Companies
In March 2011, Fast Company magazine ranked SynCardia #20 in its annual list of the "World's 50 Most Innovative Companies" for "giving mobility to artificial heart recipients." Weighing 13.5 pounds, SynCardia's Freedom® portable driver is the world's first wearable driver designed to power the Total Artificial Heart both inside and outside the hospital. The Freedom driver is CE approved for use in Europe and undergoing an FDA-approved Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) clinical study in the U.S.

For additional information, please visit: http://www.syncardia.com
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Media Contact:
Don Isaacs
Vice President of Communications
SynCardia Systems, Inc.
Cell: (520) 955-0660