He is known for leading the team of physicians whose patient was the first to survive surgery to implant a partial artificial heart .
Robert Berger ( September 26 , 1929 -- January 1 , 2016 ) was a Hungarian - American surgeon specializing in cardiology and pulmonology .
Robert Berger is known for leading the team of physicians whose patient was the first to survive surgery to implant a partial artificial heart .
Robert Berger ( September 26 , 1929 -- January 1 , 2016 ) was a Hungarian - American surgeon specializing in cardiology and pulmonology .