UCSF Performs First Total Artificial Heart Transplant

37-year-old patient discharged in good health after pioneering procedure

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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UCSF Health has performed its first heart transplant for a patient with advanced heart failure who had received an artificial heart a few months earlier. The 37-year-old patient, who lives in the Central Valley, underwent a six-hour operation to implant the artificial heart in August 2025 and was discharged in September. Three months later, he underwent an eight-hour heart transplant procedure.

Why it matters

UCSF Health has one of the largest heart transplant programs in the country and is the only active program in Northern California that implants the fully mechanical Total Artificial Heart (TAH). This pioneering procedure demonstrates UCSF's commitment to advancing patient care for those suffering from end-stage heart failure.

The details

The mechanical heart is designed as a temporary replacement for both heart ventricles, serving as a bridge to keep the patient alive until a transplant can be performed. UCSF Health has implanted four TAH devices to date. The patient's operations were performed by UCSF cardiac surgeon Amy Fiedler, MD, surgical director of the heart transplant and mechanical circulatory support program, and Jason W. Smith, MD, chief of cardiac surgery and lung transplantation.

  • In August 2025, the artificial heart was implanted during a six-hour operation.
  • The patient was discharged in September 2025.
  • Three months later, in December 2025, the patient underwent an eight-hour heart transplant procedure.

The players

UCSF Health

A healthcare system recognized worldwide for its innovative patient care, including the flagship UCSF Medical Center, which is among the nation's best hospitals.

Amy Fiedler, MD

The cardiac surgeon who performed the patient's artificial heart implantation and heart transplant procedures. She is the surgical director of the heart transplant and mechanical circulatory support program at UCSF Health.

Jason W. Smith, MD

The chief of cardiac surgery and lung transplantation at UCSF Health, who assisted in the patient's procedures.

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What they’re saying

“We are incredibly proud of our program and our patients. As an institution, we have been advancing patient care in an innovative and thoughtful manner, especially for the sickest patients suffering from end-stage heart failure. The creation and success of our Total Artificial Heart program demonstrate the commitment we have to bringing the gift of heart transplant to those who need it most.”

— Amy Fiedler, Cardiac Surgeon, Surgical Director of Heart Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support Program (Mirage News)

What’s next

UCSF plans to open a clinical trial involving a new type of artificial heart technology: the BiVACOR titanium device, which last year received FDA "breakthrough" status and is undergoing investigational study prior to full FDA approval.

The takeaway

UCSF Health's successful first total artificial heart transplant demonstrates its commitment to advancing care for patients with end-stage heart failure, positioning the institution as a leader in this pioneering field of cardiac surgery.