Artificial Heart Patient Puts Respirator Aside

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Artificial heart patient Murray P. Haydon spent his first 24 hours off a respirator in more than two months and continued “bouncing back” from a stroke earlier this week, a spokeswoman said Thursday.

“He was off the respirator during the day and all night Wednesday,” said Donna Hazle, director of public affairs for Humana Hospital Audubon. It was the first time since March 18, when he was returned to the coronary care unit, that the 58-year-old Louisville man had spent an entire night without the breathing support, she said.