Mexico City, Mexico - A 68-year-old Mexican man has undergone the first successful permanent implantation of an artificial heart in Latin America, the Mexican Social Security Institute, or IMSS, said.

Jose Salvador Perez Yañez had the heart surgery performed by specialists from the IMSS's Hospital de Cardiologia del Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI in Mexico City.

Perez Yañez, a Mexico City native, was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy isquemia, a reduced flow of blood to the heart, 15 years ago and his condition worsened over time.

The retired civil engineer is exercising and living a normal life, the IMSS said.

"My grandkids call me Ironman. I wish I was because then my physical condition would be different," Perez Yañez said.

Perez Yañez's artificial heart must remain connected permanently to a battery that has a six-hour life and must be recharged.