HonorHealth opens open-heart surgery service at Four Peaks Medical Center

HonorHealth completed its first open-heart surgery at Four Peaks Medical Center in Mesa, launching a new cardiovascular service for East Valley patients. The move is meant to reduce the need for residents to travel for specialized heart care as the region grows.

Why it matters: - The first open-heart surgery at HonorHealth Four Peaks Medical Center expands advanced heart care in the East Valley. - East Valley residents can now access specialized cardiac surgery closer to home. - The new service may reduce travel for patients who need complex heart procedures and recovery support.

What happened: - HonorHealth completed its first open-heart surgery at HonorHealth Four Peaks Medical Center in Mesa in November 2026. - The procedure launched open-heart surgery services at the medical center. - Drs. Kevin Brady and Robert Riley performed the first surgery.

The details: - HonorHealth said the milestone followed months of planning, preparation and collaboration across the health system. - The program uses a multidisciplinary team that includes cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, nurses, rehabilitation specialists and other care team members. - HonorHealth said the care model is designed to support patients from diagnosis through recovery. - Robert Riley, MD, said the East Valley's growth is increasing demand for advanced cardiovascular care. - Riley said bringing open-heart surgery to Four Peaks Medical Center allows more patients to receive specialized care in their own community. - Kevin Brady, MD, said establishing the program required extensive planning, specialized resources and rigorous preparation. - Brady said the first case reflects the experience and dedication behind the new program. - The program is supported by HonorHealth cardiothoracic surgeons Drs. Brady, Riley, Daniel Eads, Charles Wojnarski and Zain Khalpey. - HonorHealth is one of Arizona's largest nonprofit healthcare systems and serves a population of five million people in the greater Phoenix area. - The health system includes nine acute-care hospitals, a medical group with primary, specialty and urgent care, a cancer care network, outpatient surgery centers, clinical research, medical education, a foundation, an accountable care organization and community services.

Between the lines: - The launch signals HonorHealth is building out higher-acuity services in growing suburban markets instead of concentrating advanced care only at larger regional hubs. - The new program also strengthens HonorHealth's cardiovascular network by connecting surgery, recovery and follow-up care across the system. - For a fast-growing area like the East Valley, adding open-heart surgery locally can be a meaningful competitive and service expansion.

What's next: - HonorHealth is expected to continue building volume and capability at Four Peaks Medical Center as the program matures. - The hospital's cardiovascular team will likely use the new service to treat more East Valley patients without sending them farther from home. - HonorHealth said the launch is part of a broader effort to improve health and well-being across its service area.

The bottom line: - HonorHealth has added open-heart surgery to Four Peaks Medical Center, bringing specialized cardiac care closer to East Valley residents.