NCH Wingard Stroke Institute Pioneers Advanced Stroke Treatment

by Paul Hiltz, NCH President & CEO

Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) continues to lead the way in stroke care. I am excited to announce that the NCH Wingard Stroke Institute is among the first hospitals in the nation to perform the FDA-approved Neuroguard Integrated Embolic Protection (IEP) procedure, a groundbreaking treatment for patients with carotid artery disease.

The NCH Wingard Stroke Institute is one of only five Joint Commission-certified Comprehensive Stroke Centers in the state of Florida. This designation underscores our commitment to delivering the highest level of stroke care.

Developed by Contego Medical, the Neuroguard IEP System is a revolutionary three-in-one carotid stenting solution that integrates a high-performance stent, a dilation balloon, and a protective filter that has pores up to four times smaller than traditional filters and mesh-covered stents. This advanced technology streamlines the carotid stenting procedure, reducing the number of steps and significantly improving safety by capturing particles or clots that can travel in the bloodstream that traditional systems may miss. The result is faster, more effective treatment that enhances patient outcomes when every second counts.

Clinical studies have demonstrated unprecedented low event rates with the Neuroguard IEP System—zero major strokes, zero neurologic deaths, and zero stent thrombosis at both 30 days and one year.

The Neuroguard IEP procedure represents a major advancement in stroke care, reinforcing our mission to provide life-saving innovation when minutes matter most.

Strokes remain a leading cause of disability and death in the United States, making rapid intervention critical. As one of Florida’s premier stroke centers, we are ensuring that Southwest Florida residents have access to world-class stroke treatment, cementing our position as a leader in comprehensive stroke care.

For more information about NCH and its award-winning services and care, please visit www.nchmd.org/services/wingard-stroke-institute/