Implant Surgeon DeVries Quits Heart Institute

Dr. William C. DeVries, who performed the nation’s first permanent artificial heart implant nearly six years ago, has resigned from Humana Heart Institute International, it was announced Thursday.

His resignation is effective Monday, according to a news release from Humana Hospital-Audubon, where the institute is based. He was the institute’s physician consultant in cardiovascular surgery.

DeVries indicated that, with his decision last year to establish his own private practice, continuation as a member of the institute could create a conflict with Dr. Allan M. Lansing’s private practice.