By Geoffrey Jao, MD and Zain Khalpey, MD | HonorHealth Heart Care

Following DNV accreditation in March 2025, the HonorHealth Artificial Heart Program officially launched, offering comprehensive, advanced mechanical circulatory support through state-of-the-art ventricular assist device (VAD) technology. This milestone firmly establishes HonorHealth as a center of excellence for advanced cardiovascular care in the southwestern U.S. With a population of 7.58 million in Arizona, this is a much-needed program to serve our community, ensuring that patients with advanced heart failure have access to lifesaving mechanical circulatory support close to home.

Advanced heart failure: A growing challenge

Heart failure affects nearly 6.7 million adults in the U.S., with projections indicating this number will rise to eight million by 2030. Despite advances in medical therapy, many patients with advanced heart failure continue to experience:

• Debilitating symptoms that severely limit daily activities.
• Declining quality of life and independence.
• Frequent hospitalizations and unexpected doctor visits.
• On minimal, if not absent, life-saving medications due to low blood pressure.
• Poor prognosis: A median of one-to-two-year survival on medical therapy alone; 50% survival in six to nine months for those on home inotropic support.

The HonorHealth Artificial Heart Program difference

Durable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are surgically implanted mechanical pumps that support heart function by helping the left ventricle pump blood to the body. Unlike a total artificial heart, an LVAD works with the patient’s heart rather than replacing it. Modern LVADs are significantly smaller than earlier generations, with improved durability and fewer complications.

Surgically implanted HeartMate 3 LVADs have been shown to significantly improve quality of life, enhance functional capacity and increase survival—reaching nearly 60% at five years—for patients with advanced heart failure.

The HonorHealth Artificial Heart Program team is multidisciplinary and includes:

• Cardiac surgeons
• Heart failure cardiologists
• VAD program manager
• Social work professionals
• Palliative care specialists
• Advanced practice providers
• Specialized nursing staff
• Administrative specialists

This collaborative approach ensures that each patient receives personalized care tailored to their specific needs. The referring physician or APP will remain informed throughout the process, with structured communication to ensure continuity of care.

Advanced heart failure patient clinical characteristics

A helpful tool to quickly assess patients for referral is the “INEEDHELP” mnemonic:

• I – IV inotropes
• N – NYHA IIIB/IV or persistently elevated natriuretic peptides
• E – End-organ dysfunction (Cr > 1.8 mg/dL or BUN > 43 mg/dL)
• E – EF ≤ 35%
• D – Defibrillator shocks
• H – Hospitalizations > 1 with heart failure
• E – Edema (or elevated PA pressure) despite escalating diuretics
• L – Low blood pressure, high heart rate
• P – Prognostic medication – progressive intolerance or down-titration GDMT

When and how to refer

Early referral is crucial for optimal outcomes. Patients with advanced heart failure should be referred before developing severe end-organ dysfunction or nutritional compromise that could affect surgical candidacy.

• Call the HonorHealth Advanced Heart Disease Clinic at 480-882-7750.
• The clinic is accessible 24/7 for urgent consultations.
• Download our referral guide.
• Learn more about the program at honorhealth.com/artificialheart.

We are committed to partnering with referring physicians to provide seamless care coordination and regular updates on patient progress.