NCH is First in Florida Selected for National ALIYA PEF Galvanize Clinical Trial

Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) has been selected as the first medical center in Florida to participate in the national, FDA regulated, ALIYA Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) Galvanize Trial, marking another milestone in expanding access to advanced, life-changing clinical research in the state of Florida.

The PEF Galvanize Trial is a multi-center registry designed to evaluate the clinical application, safety, and real-world outcomes of the ALIYA PEF System – an emerging, non-thermal ablation technology that represents a new frontier in precision lung treatment. The registry began enrolling patients in August 2025. Up to 1,000 patients across 50 centers in the U.S. are expected to participate, with each followed for up to 24 months.

The ALIYA PEF System delivers short, high-voltage electrical pulses, either through the skin or through a small scope placed in the airway, to induce targeted cell death without damaging surrounding sensitive structures such as airways and blood vessels. Unlike traditional thermal ablation techniques, this non-thermal pulsed electric field (PEF) approach preserves surrounding tissue, allowing treatment of lesions in complex or previously irradiated regions.

Dr. David Lindner DO

Pre-clinical and early clinical data also suggest that ALIYA PEF may promote antigen release and immune system activation, potentially enhancing the body’s natural defenses against disease. The PEF Galvanize Trial will collect detailed data on procedural techniques, perioperative outcomes, and radiographic response, helping clinicians better understand the real-world performance of this innovative therapy. “Being selected as the first center in Florida to participate in the PEF Galvanize Trial underscores NCH’s growing reputation as a leader in advanced pulmonary care and clinical innovation,” said David Lindner, DO, Chair of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at NCH. “Through trials like this, we’re able to offer patients access to the newest technologies and contribute to medical progress that can shape the future of care.”

The NCH Center for Clinical Research serves as the hub for all research initiatives within the health system, supporting studies across oncology, pulmonary care, cardiology, neurology, and other specialties. Its growing network of physicians, research coordinators, and academic partners works to bring nationally recognized studies and first-in-state opportunities like the ALIYA PEF Galvanize Trial to the Southwest Florida community.

Paul Hiltz, President/CEO, FACHE

“Participation in the PEF Galvanize Trial reflects our commitment to bring the latest advancements in medicine directly to the people of Southwest Florida,” said Paul Hiltz, President & CEO of NCH. “Through the NCH Center for Clinical Research, we now have nearly 50 active clinical trials, giving local residents access to innovative treatments and the hope that comes from being part of groundbreaking discoveries.”

Participation in this trial further strengthens NCH’s commitment to advancing medicine through research and discovery, ensuring patients can access cutting-edge therapies close to home.

ABOUT NCH
NCH (Naples Comprehensive Health) is an Advanced Community Healthcare SystemTM serving Southwest Florida with premier routine, critical, and specialty care. NCH, a locally governed non-profit, is recognized as one of Healthgrades America’s Top 50 Hospitals which puts it in the top 1% in the nation for clinical excellence, in addition to being named a Top 50 Hospital for Surgical Care. The system is more than just two hospitals (referred to as the NCH Baker Hospital and NCH North Hospital) with a total of 713 beds – NCH is an alliance of over 750 physicians and medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Southwest Florida and is the region’s only Joint Commission accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center. NCH cardiac care is ranked top three in the state by Healthgrades. NCH collaborates with the Hospital for Special Surgery for orthopedics, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital for pediatrics, and ProScan Imaging for radiology services, ensuring top-tier medical care is available in Southwest Florida. With the largest provider network, urgent/immediate care centers, diagnostic facilities, and two hospitals, NCH is always advancing the quality of care near you. For more information, visit www.NCHmd.org.