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Breakthrough technology saves young Arizona man with artificial heart

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  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, September 10th 2025 at 2:27 GMT by AZFamily
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Breakthrough Technology Saves Young Arizona Man With Artificial Heart

Phoenix, AZ – September 10, 2025 – A 23‑year‑old Phoenix resident’s life was dramatically saved last week thanks to a pioneering artificial heart technology that is poised to reshape the future of cardiac care. The patient, who had been battling a rare congenital heart defect, was successfully fitted with a fully implantable, battery‑powered artificial heart that has already won acclaim from the medical community for its unprecedented reliability and patient‑mobility features.

The Patient and His Plight

Jacob Martinez, a graphic designer and avid cyclist from Scottsdale, first began experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath in early 2024 after an incident during a routine bike ride. Subsequent imaging revealed a severely compromised left ventricle—an organ that is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood throughout the body—along with a previously undiagnosed ventricular septal defect. Dr. Elena Ruiz, a cardiothoracic surgeon at the Arizona Heart Institute (AHI), explained that Martinez’s condition had progressed to the point where he was at imminent risk of heart failure.

“We had been monitoring him closely, but his ejection fraction had dropped to 15%—below the threshold where the heart can effectively meet the body’s demands,” Dr. Ruiz told the original article. “At that juncture, we had to consider a mechanical support solution.”

Enter the “NeoHeart”

While traditional ventricular assist devices (VADs) have long been used as a bridge to transplant, Martinez’s case presented a unique set of challenges. His young age and relatively small thoracic cavity made standard VADs impractical, and the prospect of awaiting an organ donation carried an unpredictable timeline. The AHI team turned to the NeoHeart, an emerging artificial heart system developed by MedTech Innovations, a Colorado‑based startup that has been collaborating with academic institutions for the past five years.

The NeoHeart is a fully implantable device that mimics the left ventricle’s contractile function. Unlike conventional VADs that require external power sources and large driveline systems, the NeoHeart is powered by a high‑capacity, long‑lasting lithium‑ion battery that can sustain full cardiac output for up to 90 days on a single charge. It also incorporates a bi‑ventricular design—an advancement that allows it to regulate blood flow between both sides of the heart, a feature that could reduce the risk of heart failure recurrence.

“In our trials, the NeoHeart maintained a stable cardiac output in animal models, with minimal thrombotic complications,” MedTech CEO Dr. Amir Patel said in a statement. “Jacob’s case is the first human implantation, and the initial outcomes are encouraging.”

The Surgery and Immediate Outcomes

On September 4, the surgical team, led by Dr. Ruiz, performed the implant under general anesthesia. The procedure involved removing the damaged left ventricle and replacing it with the NeoHeart. The device’s outer casing, a biocompatible titanium alloy, was sutured to the patient’s remaining cardiac tissue. After a lengthy but successful surgery, Martinez was monitored in the intensive care unit for 48 hours before being transferred to a specialized cardiac recovery unit.

Within hours of the operation, the team recorded a marked improvement in Martinez’s vital signs. His oxygen saturation rose from 84% to 98%, and his cardiac output increased to a healthy 5.5 liters per minute. “We were seeing real, measurable improvements right away,” said Dr. Ruiz. “It was a tremendous relief for everyone involved.”

Living With an Artificial Heart

Martinez’s first week post‑implant has been an eye‑opening experience, both for him and his family. According to the article’s follow‑up, he has resumed light activity, including walking with a walking aid and, notably, cycling on a stationary bike in a supervised setting. He expressed both excitement and caution: “It’s amazing to feel my chest moving again, but I also understand I have to follow a strict schedule for battery changes and medical check‑ins.”

The NeoHeart’s battery, according to MedTech, requires a complete charge every 72 hours, which is managed by an external charging unit that the patient can use at home. This eliminates the need for frequent hospital visits solely for battery replacement—a significant advantage over current VAD systems that typically necessitate surgical battery changes or external power cables.

Dr. Patel added, “We are exploring a wireless charging protocol that could further reduce the patient’s burden. The next iteration will aim for a two‑month battery life.”

Implications for Cardiac Care

The successful implantation of the NeoHeart in a young patient has far-reaching implications for cardiac care in the United States and beyond. Current VAD systems, while lifesaving, are constrained by factors such as limited mobility, infection risk at the driveline site, and the need for an organ donor. The NeoHeart’s fully implantable design mitigates many of these concerns, potentially expanding treatment options for patients who previously had few viable alternatives.

Cardiac researcher Dr. Lisa Huang of the University of Arizona, who was not involved in the surgery, weighed in on the broader significance: “This device could shift the paradigm from VADs as bridges to transplant toward permanent mechanical circulatory support, especially for patients who cannot or do not want to undergo transplantation.”

Moreover, the technology is expected to reduce long‑term healthcare costs by decreasing readmissions, infection treatments, and transplant‑related complications. Health economics studies predict a potential savings of up to $150,000 per patient over a five‑year period when factoring in the lower complication rates associated with fully implantable devices.

The Road Ahead

While Martinez’s immediate future appears promising, the medical team emphasizes that long‑term outcomes remain to be seen. “We will continue to monitor his cardiac function, device performance, and any potential complications,” Dr. Ruiz said. “Our goal is to gather data that will guide future use and refine the technology.”

MedTech Innovations plans to file for FDA approval of the NeoHeart in the coming months, contingent on additional clinical trials. The company has already received provisional approval to conduct a multi‑center study involving 100 patients across the U.S. and Canada.

Community Reaction

The local community has rallied around Martinez’s recovery. His parents, who live in Mesa, have posted daily updates on social media, thanking the medical team and the developers of the NeoHeart for giving their son a second chance. “We are overwhelmed by the support,” his mother said. “It’s a miracle.”

The Arizona Heart Institute’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Rajiv Patel, thanked the broader medical community for its collaborative spirit: “This breakthrough is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration—engineers, surgeons, and researchers working together to solve a human problem.”

Conclusion

Jacob Martinez’s story is a compelling illustration of how emerging biomedical technology can transform patient outcomes. The NeoHeart’s successful implantation in a young, active individual signals a potential shift toward more sustainable, patient‑friendly solutions for severe cardiac failure. As MedTech Innovations and the AHI team move toward broader clinical application, the medical world watches with anticipation—hopeful that this breakthrough will become a new standard of care for countless patients worldwide.