It’s been almost ten years since the region had a transplant program; Lee County’s kidney transplant service closed nearly a decade ago. Now, as NCH builds its new heart and stroke center, it’s seizing the chance to fill that gap and bring advanced organ transplantation back to the community.

The program begins with heart and kidney transplants, but NCH plans to add lung, liver, and other solid organ transplants in the future. Launching a transplant program demands a huge team: infectious disease experts, immunologists, rheumatologists, endocrinologists, internists, anesthesia, and cardiac ICU staff. It pulls together talent and resources from the entire hospital.

NCH leadership believes it is well-positioned to create a top-tier transplant center. They’re building on the strength of their cardiovascular expertise, with their heart team recently recognized as one of America’s Top 50 Hospitals and in the top 1% for clinical excellence, including cardiac care. Money magazine also named them among the nation’s best for cardiac services.

Dr. Robert J. Cubeddu, president of the NCH Rooney Heart Institute, says expanding into heart failure and transplant will boost their already strong program. It also means the most seriously ill patients can get the latest treatments, like advanced LVADs or heart transplants, without having to travel far. Their track record shows strong clinical outcomes, surpassing national benchmarks, and the team feels ready for this next step.

The Rooney Heart Institute already has deep experience in heart transplant, critical care, and mechanical circulatory support. Key physicians, Drs. Tommy Caranasos, Vivianna Navas, and Lavinia Kolarczyk bring a wealth of experience in cardiothoracic surgery and advanced transplant care. Alongside heart transplants, they’re laying the groundwork for robust kidney transplant services.

Dr. Viviana Navas, who previously led one of Florida’s leading heart transplant programs, sees this move as the clear next milestone after four years of building NCH’s heart failure and cardiomyopathy program. Now, with the right people and infrastructure, NCH stands ready to deliver the highest levels of cardiac care for Southwest Florida.

A major part of the rollout is a new LVAD program, critical for patients with advanced heart failure who either aren’t transplant candidates or are waiting for a transplant. It gives them essential therapy while keeping care close to family.

Dr. Tommy Caranasos points out that NCH already has all the pieces in place: seasoned cardiothoracic surgeons, advanced ICU and imaging, perfusion, and dedicated support teams. This expansion lets them care for increasingly complex cardiac patients right here at home.

NCH isn’t taking shortcuts. The team is moving carefully through every stage, clinical, operational, and regulatory, with academic and regional partnerships to ensure everything meets the highest standards for safety and patient outcomes. Paul Hiltz, NCH’s president and CEO, says their growth in cardiovascular care comes from the dedication of the clinical teams and the community’s trust. This change, which includes advanced techniques and ongoing research and patient testing, is another big step for heart health in Southwest Florida.

The NCH Rooney Heart Institute has already racked up national distinctions for cardiac services, ranking in the top 5% in the nation for seven years running, along with honors for pulmonary, orthopedic, and critical care excellence.

The planning is thorough, and the goal is clear: to bring world-class transplant care to Southwest Florida.

Click here for more information about NCH.

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