The Jarvik device is a small turbine pump, about the size of a man’s thumb, that is implanted next to the heart’s left ventricle to help circulate blood. A thin wire runs up the chest and out of the head behind the ear so that the device’s battery pack can be attached. Although Houghton suffered several infections in the battery receptacle, the head is considered a safer and more hygienic spot for it. The battery pack was carried in a camera case slung over his shoulder.

The surgery had one unexpected benefit: By easing the workload on Houghton’s heart, it permitted the heart to recuperate partially. In the past year, his heart had returned to about 30 percent of normal function, allowing him to be off the device for brief periods, as when changing the batteries.

That became important when a thief tried to grab the camera case while Houghton was shopping in London. When the battery was disconnected, a loud alarm went off, startling the thief and causing him to drop the case. Houghton had the presence of mind to reconnect the device.

Houghton is survived by his wife Diane. The pair had no biological children but had served as foster parents to 11 children.