Schroeder ‘Alert’ but Faces More Tests After 3rd Stroke

Artificial heart patient William J. Schroeder, who has suffered his third stroke, was more alert Tuesday and moving better as he recuperated, a hospital spokeswoman said.

The 53-year-old retiree was listed in serious condition in the coronary care unit and will undergo further tests, said Donna Hazle, director of public affairs for Humana Hospital Audubon.

Details Withheld

Schroeder, who has survived with the Jarvik-7 artificial heart longer than any other person, was “alert and moving his left side much better than he did yesterday,” she said. But she said doctors decided to withhold specific details on his condition.

Dr. Gary Fox, the neurologist handling Schroeder’s case, “is making no prognosis at this point,” Hazle said. Fox will conduct a briefing today to report on what nerve or brain damage, if any, Schroeder has suffered, she said.

Tuesday’s medical update was the first indication from doctors that the stroke, diagnosed after Schroeder had become lethargic during the weekend, had affected his alertness and his left side movements, which are controlled by the right side of the brain.

Strokes suffered by Schroeder last December and May involved the left side of the brain and rendered his speech slurred and his right side movements impaired. He has been able to walk only with assistance since those strokes.

Schroeder’s first stroke, which occurred 18 days after the implant, left him greatly weakened physically and impaired his memory.

The second stroke, in May, hampered his rehabilitation, but it did not keep Schroeder from being released from the hospital on Aug. 11 to join his wife, Margaret, in a specially equipped apartment.

Dr. William C. DeVries, who performed the implant last Nov. 25, will hold a news conference Monday that will include “a year’s review of Schroeder’s experiences with the heart and its prospects for the future,” Hazle said.