Mechanical Heart Patient Stable

LOUISVILLE, Ky. —  A 60-year-old commercial photographer who underwent a mechanical heart implant remained in critical but stable condition Sunday, a hospital spokeswoman said.

“The doctors and nurses are pleased with his progress,” said Donna Hazle of Humana Hospital-Audubon. “When he is awake, he recognizes family members who have been in to see him several times since his implant.”

Walton Jones Jr. continues to be evaluated for a human heart transplant, Hazle said.

The implant surgery Friday became complicated when the first artificial heart that surgeons tried to implant was too large and had to be replaced by a smaller model.

Jones had suffered two heart attacks and was wearing a pacemaker to regulate his heart’s rhythm. The implant was an emergency procedure to save his life, Hazle said.