NCH Becomes First in Southwest Florida to Offer Drug-Coated Balloon Procedures

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.

Prime Healthcare Passionate about SeniorsAt St. Joseph Medical Center, weve made changes to provide specialized care tailored to seniors. As the first accredited geriatric ER in KC, we identify seniors that may need extra support during or after their hospitalization. Our inpatient Senior Behavioral Health Unit provides care for adults over 55 years of age experiencing acute behavioral symptoms associated with dementia and/or other mental health conditions.Paul Hura, MD, Senior Care Services Medical Director shares, "It is an honor and privilege to care for our seniors, and these philosophies remain very important to our physicians, nurses and entire healthcare teams at St. Joseph Medical Center.St. Marys Medical Center is a patient-centered community hospital in Blue Springs, Missouri providing comprehensive quality care with state-of-the-art treatment in a warm, caring environment.  With the only accredited Geriatric Emergency Department in Eastern Jackson County, Dr. Michael Liston, Cardiologist and Chief Medical Officer, understands this well.  We take caring for seniors to heart.  St. Marys holds numerous Grade A and 5-star ratings, while continuing to offer hometown touches such as walk-in 3D Mammograms.   As a community partner with local schools, chambers, and charitable organizations, St. Marys is Your Community Hospital.  StMarysKC.comIn Leavenworth, Saint John Hospital offers Senior Behavioral Health for inpatient care. During a patients stay, the unit uses a multi-sensory and multi-disciplinary approach to care. Our specialized staff supports patients and family member with comprehensive nursing care 24 hours a day. Many times, the slow loss of a loved ones sense of self and memory is confusing and difficult for the individual and their loved ones through some of the more difficult aspects of dementia, says Dr. Amand, Psychiatrist and Medical Director. Providence Medical Center is a community hospital located in Kansas City, Kansas. Committed to excellence and award-winning patient care, Providence received an A grade on the 2023-24 Lown Institute Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility. Providence achieved this honor through strong performance across metrics of health equity, patient outcomes, and value of care, out of more than 3,600 hospitals nationwide. Providence has received a five-star rating from The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The star award is given based on metrics such as mortality, readmission, patient safety and patient experience. Providence is also nationally recognized in multiple service lines, receiving 18 awards with eight Five-Star ratings, according to research released by Healthgrades.