Heart Attack Calling for Help

Naples, FL., August 19, 2024   Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) proudly announces that it has become the first healthcare facility in Southwest Florida to offer Drug-Coated Balloon (DCB) procedures at the Rooney Heart Institute. This cutting-edge intervention is now available to patients with cardiovascular conditions, particularly those experiencing in-stent restenosisa condition where arteries previously treated with stents become narrow again.The DCB procedures, powered by the latest technological advancements, utilize the high-tech agent DCB device developed by Boston Scientific. This innovative approach allows physicians at the Rooney Heart Institute to deliver targeted therapy directly to the affected arteries, minimizing the risk of recurrent narrowing and significantly improving patient outcomes.We are thrilled to bring this groundbreaking technology to our patients in Southwest Florida, said Adam Frank, MD, Interventional Cardiologist, NCH Rooney Heart Institute. The introduction of Drug-Coated Balloon procedures at NCH represents a major advancement in cardiovascular care, offering new hope to patients who have previously undergone stent placement and are now facing the challenge of in-stent restenosis.The DCB device developed by Boston Scientific works by delivering medication directly to the artery wall, which helps prevent scar tissue formation that can lead to restenosis. This approach offers a minimally invasive solution, reducing the need for repeat interventions and providing patients with a faster recovery time.By adopting this advanced technology, NCH continues to lead the way in providing innovative cardiovascular care in our region, said Robert J. Cubeddu, MD, President of the NCH Rooney Heart Institute. Our commitment to bringing the latest treatments to our patients is unwavering, and the introduction of DCB procedures is a testament to that dedication.The Rooney Heart Institute at NCH is renowned for its comprehensive cardiovascular care, offering a wide range of state-of-the-art treatments and nationally recognized procedures.  NCH received the highest rating of three stars from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons for CABG cardiac procedures; was named among the top 50 hospitals in the nation for cardiac care by Healthgrades; and ranked as #50 in the U.S. for Cardiac Services by Money. The addition of Drug-Coated Balloon procedures further enhances the institutes ability to provide cutting-edge care to patients with complex cardiovascular conditions.For more information about the Drug-Coated Balloon procedures or to schedule a consultation, please contact the NCH Rooney Heart Institute at 239-624-4200 or visit NCHmd.org.

Naples, FL., March 21, 2024  NCH Rooney Heart Institute announces a groundbreaking procedure for patients with valvular heart disease. The operation performed by a highly specialized team led by Robert J. Cubeddu, MD, Harvard-trained interventional cardiologist and President of the NCH Rooney Heart Institute, represents the first-ever transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement performed in the State of Florida and one of the first few in the country, after its recent approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).Tricuspid valve disease is highly prevalent and affects thousands of Americans with heart disease. The condition typically manifests as a malfunctioning leaky valve that when severe, often results in congestive heart failure and is associated with poor prognosis. Until recently, treatment options for tricuspid valve disease have been limited to drugs aimed at providing symptom relief only. The introduction of a minimally invasive transcatheter approach to replace the tricuspid valve represents a major breakthrough for the thousands of patients affected by this adverse condition.The new tricuspid valve is known as the Evoque valve and is manufactured by Edwards Lifescience, Inc. The self-expanding valve prosthesis is engineered from bovine pericardial tissue and is effectively delivered through a catheter inserted in the groin and maneuvered antegrade into the heart across the venous circulation. Once in position, the valve is carefully deployed replacing the function of the damaged tricuspid valve. The procedure takes approximately two hours, and most patients recover quickly and are discharged home within two to three days.This major achievement represents not only an important milestone for our patients and our organization but underscores our overarching commitment to innovation and clinical excellence, said Dr. Cubeddu. As a center of excellence in valvular heart disease, we are most proud and committed in providing patients a breadth of innovative solutions with early access to breakthrough therapies. The Evoque system is no different and will enable us to evaluate and treat for many more patients with valvular heart disease.Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) remains at the forefront of cardiac care through innovation and research, continuously striving to provide patients with access to the latest advancements. The successful completion of the first transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement in Florida further solidifies NCHs position as a leader in cardiovascular care nationwide.NCH is one of Americas 100 Best Hospitals for the third year in a row according to Healthgrades. This achievement puts NCH in the top 2% of hospitals nationwide for overall clinical performance along with being named one of Americas Top 50 Hospitals for Surgical Care in 2024.For more information about transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement and other cardiovascular services offered at NCH Rooney Heart Institute, please visit www.nchmd.org.

NCHs downtown Baker Hospital will host a new 189,000-square-foot heart center, approved by the city council after nearly three years of discussions. Plans involve replacing the Telford Building at NCH Baker Hospital to expand cardiac care services in Southwest Florida. Concerns about the facilitys height and parking garage were addressed, with NCH agreeing to lower the garage by 10 feet. Despite initial skepticism, residents like Joe Frick believe the institute will be crucial for saving lives in the thriving community. NCH's CEO Paul Hiltz said the organization needed the space to keep up with the growth of Collier County and a facility upgrade to keep attracting top doctors to save lives."Stroke and heart attack continue to be the number 1 cause of death in the United States," Hiltz said. "This area, because of an older population, is in even more need of heart and stroke care." The money for the facility has been fundraised by the health care system. Hospital leaders are currently working to secure final funding, aiming to open the new cardiac center by 2026.