ALBANY, Ore. — An Oregon man reported an unusual theft — someone stole backup control system for the mechanical heart pump he must wear at all times.
The $15,000 unit, the exterior portion of a Left Ventricular Assist Device, was stolen from Mark Dempsey’s car sometime late Saturday or early Sunday while the vehicle was parked outside an Albany lounge.
The equipment was in what looks like a camera bag and was taken by someone who smashed the rear window.
The 37-year-old Dempsey told the Albany Democrat-Herald he isn’t interested in prosecuting the person who took the device. He just wants it back.
Dempsey was diagnosed with heart failure shortly after his 30th birthday, when tests showed his heart wasn’t functioning at an optimal rate.
