Naples, FL – February 13, 2025, Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Thomas G. Caranasos as Vice President of the NCH Rooney Heart Institute as well as being named the James and Jaimie Yeh Endowed Chair for the Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery. Dr. Caranasos, who officially joined NCH earlier in February, brings extensive expertise from his previous role as Director of Cardiac Surgery and Medical Director of the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) program at the University of North Carolina (UNC). This important position was made possible through the generosity of philanthropic support, reinforcing NCH’s commitment to recruiting top medical talent and advancing world-class cardiac care in our community.
Dr. Caranasos earned his medical degree from West Virginia University School of Medicine and completed his cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at the University of Florida. He has been recognized for his dedication to patient care and contributions to advancing operative techniques in Cardiothoracic Surgery. Notably, he codeveloped a synthetic cardiac stem cell that mimics the regenerative properties of natural stem cells.
Board-certified in thoracic surgery, Dr. Caranasos has specialized experience in adult cardiac and thoracic procedures including heart and lung transplantation and ventricular assist device implantation, Adult Congenital Heart Disease, minimally invasive valvular surgery and Hybrid Atrial Fibrillation procedures. His research interests include surgical treatment of the aorta, transcatheter valvular surgery, hybrid coronary revascularization, valvular surgery, and the therapeutic uses of synthetic cardiac stem cells. He has more than 70 publications and over 500 citings.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Caranasos to our team,” said Dr. Robert J. Cubeddu, President of the NCH Rooney Heart Institute. “This appointment is integral to NCH’s larger vision for its heart program, which includes the development of the R.M. Schulze Family Cardiovascular and Stroke Critical Care Center at NCH – which was recently ranked as the #50 best place in the US for cardiac care by Money. Dr. Caranasos’ extensive experience and innovative approach to cardiothoracic surgery will be instrumental in advancing our mission to provide exceptional cardiac care to our community.”
“I am honored to join NCH and lead the cardiothoracic surgery program at the NCH Rooney Heart Institute,” said Dr. Thomas G. Caranasos, Vice President of the NCH Rooney Heart Institute. “This is an exciting time for cardiac care in Southwest Florida, and I look forward to working alongside an incredible team to advance innovative surgical techniques, expand treatment options, and enhance patient outcomes. Together, we will continue building a world-class heart institute dedicated to excellence in care, research, and education.”
His vision for the institute includes establishing a robust research and clinical trials program, developing professional training opportunities such as a residency program and advanced cardiothoracic fellowships, and creating a dedicated research institute within the NCH Rooney Heart Institute. Dr. Caranasos is also committed to expanding patient education, ensuring that individuals undergoing surgery fully understand their procedures, recovery expectations, and available treatment options. These initiatives align with NCH’s broader strategy to position Southwest Florida as a national leader in cardiac care.
With Dr. Caranasos’ leadership, NCH continues to enhance its comprehensive cardiac services, further strengthening the NCH Rooney Heart Institute as a premier center for heart health in Florida.
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