A New Era of Care at the NCH Rooney Heart Institute

by Dr. Robert Cubeddu
President, NCH Rooney Heart Institute
Brynne and Bob Coletti Endowed Chair

Southwest Florida is rapidly becoming a destination for world-class heartcare, and the Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) Rooney Heart Institute is proud to be leading that transformation. Over the past several years, we have made meaningful investments in our facilities, technology, and our team. Our goal has never wavered: to build one of the most advanced cardiovascular programs in the country, in Naples, FL.

A few months ago, we celebrated the onboarding of our esteemed and renowned Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Dr. Thomas Caranasos. Today, our vision takes a major leap forward with the announcement and addition of one of the top global leaders in cardiac surgery and pioneer in minimally invasive cardiac surgery, Dr. Joseph Lamelas.

Dr. Lamelas is a name known throughout the world of cardiac surgery, education and innovation. He has performed more than 18,000 procedures and mentored over 1,000 surgeons globally. He is perhaps best known for developing and perfecting a technique often referred to as the “Miami Method,” a minimally invasive approach to repair heart valves and other cardiac conditions, avoiding the need of a traditional open-heart incision. This innovation results in dramatically faster recovery times, less pain, reduced risk of infection, and better overall outcomes for patients.

His arrival is not just a recruitment success; it is a defining moment in our evolution as a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery. With Dr. Lamelas onboarding, we now have one of the world’s foremost experts in this field helping us lead that charge.

But the arrival of Dr. Lamelas is just the latest example of how we’ve continued to advance our care and improve patient outcomes. At the NCH Rooney Heart Institute, we’ve expanded our subspecialty services, implemented cutting-edge diagnostic and imaging capabilities, and developed a fully integrated model of care that places the patient at the center of every decision. From prevention and early detection to intervention and rehabilitation, we provide a seamless continuum of cardiovascular care under one roof. Together, this team brings unmatched clinical expertise and a shared commitment to innovation.

For patients, this means something profoundly important: access to advanced, life-saving heart care without having to leave Southwest Florida. It means shorter hospital stays, faster recoveries, and better outcomes. It means knowing that the same caliber of care found at top-tier academic medical centers is now available closer to home.

As we look ahead, we remain focused on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We will continue investing in research, technology, and physician training to ensure we remain at the leading edge. And under Dr. Lamelas directorship, we are confident that NCH will become a national leader in minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

This is more than growth, it’s transformation. And it’s being driven by a shared belief that patients deserve the best care, the least invasive treatments, and the fastest path to helping everyone live a longer, happier, and healthier life.

We are honored to welcome Dr. Lamelas to the NCH Rooney Heart Institute. His expertise, vision, and innovation will helpshape the next chapter of heart care in our region.