First Thoracoabdominal Aneurysm Endovascular Repair Performed in SW Florida
Naples, FL., October 27, 2025 – The NCH Rooney Heart Institute has reached another major milestone in advanced cardiovascular care. The vascular team led by Santiago Chahwan, MD and Alvaro Zamora, MD, recently performed the first successful Type IV thoracoabdominal aneurysm endovascular repair using the Gore Thoracoabdominal Branch Endoprosthesis (TAMBE) device.
This groundbreaking procedure marks the first case of its kind performed in Southwest Florida. Until now, patients requiring this complex, life-saving repair had to be transferred to one of three hospitals in the state of Florida equipped to perform it.
The TAMBE device allows surgeons to repair large aneurysms involving both the chest and abdominal aorta through a minimally invasive approach, meaning smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery for patients. The TAMBE device repairs complex aortic aneurysms by creating a new channel for blood flow. It is a stent-graft that is implanted inside the aorta through small incisions to bypass and reinforce the weakened area. The device includes multiple branches that are connected to other blood vessels, allowing blood to flow to vital organs while excluding the aneurysm.
This milestone builds on recent progress at NCH, where the vascular team has successfully performed several endovascular repairs of the aortic arch in the past few months. With this latest success, the NCH Rooney Heart Institute can now treat the entire length of the aorta right here in Naples.
“This is an extraordinary accomplishment for our vascular team, and another example of how NCH Rooney Heart Institute continues to bring the most advanced cardiovascular therapies to our region,” said Robert Cubeddu, MD, Brynne and Bob Coletti Endowed Chair and President of NCH Rooney Heart Institute. “The ability to perform this highly specialized procedure locally means our patients can receive world-class care close to home, surrounded by their families and support systems.”
The NCH Rooney Heart Institute team continues to break new ground in cardiac and vascular care, expanding the range of complex procedures that can be performed locally and improving access to advanced, life-saving treatments for Southwest Florida residents.
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