HonorHealth has introduced an Artificial Heart Program after receiving accreditation from DNV in March 2025. The program is designed to treat patients with advanced heart failure by providing durable mechanical circulatory support. HonorHealth serves more than five million people in the greater Phoenix area.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 6.7 million adults in the United States are affected by heart failure, a number projected to increase to eight million by 2030 (https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/heart_failure.htm). Advanced heart failure can result in frequent hospitalizations, significant fatigue, and reduced life expectancy.
The new program at HonorHealth features Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) technology, specifically using the HeartMate 3 device. This small mechanical pump is implanted surgically to help the heart circulate blood throughout the body. Patients who receive the HeartMate 3 VAD have seen five-year survival rates near 60%, which contrasts with previous survival rates of about 50% over six to nine months for those with advanced heart failure.
“We are excited to increase access for patients with advanced heart failure by offering state-of-the-art ventricular assist device technology which has been shown not only to add years to life but also life to years,” says Geoffrey Jao, MD, medical director of the Advanced Heart Failure and Artificial Heart Program at HonorHealth. “This means more independence and giving families more quality time together.”
“This is more than a device, it’s a lifeline,” adds Zain Khalpey, MD, surgical director of the Artificial Heart Program. “We’re combining surgical innovation with a personalized, team-based approach. Every patient has a team of experts behind them, all focused on one mission: helping them live longer, fuller lives that reflect their goals and what matters most to them.”
The program brings together specialists from various disciplines who work closely with patients and their families throughout treatment.
More information about the program can be found at https://www.honorhealth.com/artificialheart.
HonorHealth operates as one of Arizona’s largest nonprofit healthcare systems. Its network includes nine acute-care hospitals and offers services such as primary care, specialty care, urgent care clinics, cancer care networks, outpatient surgery centers, clinical research opportunities, medical education programs, community outreach services and an accountable care organization.
