Dr. Robert Jarvik is an American cardiologist and medical inventor best known for developing the first permanent artificial heart, known as the Jarvik 7. This groundbreaking device was implanted in a patient in 1982, marking a significant advancement in cardiac surgery and treatment for heart failure. Born on February 11, 1946, in Omaha, Nebraska, Jarvik earned his medical degree from the University of Utah. Throughout his career, he has contributed to various innovations in heart health and has been involved in research and development of other medical devices aimed at improving patient outcomes.