This is one of those “wow that’s crazy” kind of stories. It seems a Canadian man from Quebec has received a new heart device called the “Heartmate II” and as a result, he no longer has a pulse:
The new mechanical heart, which is powered by batteries located in pouches on Mr. Langevin’s body, provides a continuous flow of blood so the patient has no pulse.
“Mr. Langevin happens to be the only individual currently living in Canada without a pulse and without a measurable blood pressure,” Dr. Cecere said Wednesday.
Apparently the device is longer lasting than other implants, with an estimated lifespan of up to ten years. The entire procedure cost about $100,000.
Pretty amazing.
Read: Globe & Mail
MasterMaq's Blog 
So $10,000 a year is the price of life plus how many battery changes?