On December 2^nd 1982, Barney Clark received the first artificial heart transplant designed for permanent use. Dr. William C. Devries implanted the artificial heart, Jarvik-7, into the 61-year old Clark who was suffering from congestive heart failure. Clark volunteered for this ground-breaking surgery as he wanted to make a contribution to medical science. He did not expect to live longer than a few days with the artificial heart.

After the successful implantation of the artificial heart, Clark was tethered to a 400 pound external pneumatic compressor. He survived for 112 days with the artificial heart, while suffering from many instances of bleeding and serious confusion.

The Jarvik-7 was designed by Robert K. Jarvik as a temporary replacement device for patients awaiting heart transplants. It was used as a permanent heart transplant for only four other patients, but was used by many people temporarily as they waited for transplants.