Healthcare  |  Discovery

The Texas Heart Institute

In July 2024, the world watched as surgeons at successfully implanted the first BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart in a human patient, marking a historic milestone in the treatment of end-stage heart failure. The breakthrough represented years of innovation, research, and collaboration among The Texas Heart Institute.

Communications | Media Relations | Executive Communications | Stakeholder Engagement

The Challenge

The goal was not simply to announce a medical breakthrough. It was to position the technology, the institutions behind it, and the broader impact on patients facing end-stage heart failure.

The Strategy

Jon Myers developed and executed an integrated communications strategy designed to translate a highly technical medical advancement into a compelling and credible story for global audiences.

The strategy focused on:

  • Aligning messaging across all stakeholders.
  • Preparing physician and executive spokespeople.
  • Building a clear narrative around the technology’s significance.
  • Maximizing visibility through earned, owned, and executive communications channels.

A key decision was delaying the public announcement until additional clinical data could be collected following the implantation, strengthening the credibility and impact of the story.

Execution

Working closely with institutional leadership and project stakeholders, Jon led communications planning and launch activities, including:

  • Local, national and global announcement strategy and stakeholder coordination.
  • Executive and physician media preparation.
  • Development of press materials, digital content, and supporting communications assets.
  • Planning and execution of a live international press conference.
  • Targeted media outreach across healthcare, science, technology, business, and national news outlets.

Results

 

The campaign generated more than 160 media placements worldwide and positioned the BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart as one of the most significant medical innovations of the year.

Coverage included: NYT, WSJ, CNN, ABC News/Good Morning America, Fox News, Houston Chronicle, Houston Business Journal

The launch elevated awareness of the FDA clinical study, strengthened institutional visibility, and reinforced The Texas Heart Institute’s reputation as a leader in cardiovascular innovation.

Impact

This project demonstrated how strategic communications can help transform a complex scientific achievement into a globally recognized story.

By aligning stakeholders, developing a clear narrative, and executing a disciplined communications strategy, TerraPulse helped ensure a historic medical milestone received the attention, understanding, and credibility it deserved.