Dr. Joseph Lamelas Joins NCH Rooney Heart Institute, Boosting Cardiac Care in Naples

The NCH Rooney Heart Institute in Naples, Florida, welcomes surgical pioneer Dr. Joseph Lamelas on Oct. 15. His work has revolutionized the way doctors repair hearts.

Instead of cutting open the chest, he works through a tiny 2-inch cut. This smart method means less pain, smaller scars, and quicker healing. Patients lose less blood and face lower risks of getting sick after surgery.

"Dr. Lamelas is unmatched in his reputation as a surgical innovator and educator," said Dr. Robert Cubeddu, president of the NCH Rooney Heart Institute and Brynne and Bob Coletti Endowed Chair, according to Cardiovascular Business.

His skilled hands have operated on more than 18,000 hearts. He's trained over 1,000 other surgeons worldwide. Now, doctors across the globe use his ideas to save lives.

He specializes in cardiac tumor removal, aortic and mitral valve surgeries, ascending aortic surgery, multi-valve surgery, and coronary bypass. When needed, he can still do traditional open-heart surgery. 

"Having a pioneer like Dr. Lamelas join NCH reinforces our vision of making Naples a center for advanced cardiac care," said Dr. Tommy Caranasos, chief of cardiothoracic surgery and James and Jaimie Yeh Endowed Chair.

"It has been a privilege to care for so many patients over the years," said Dr. Lamelas. "I am excited to continue that work in Naples with the NCH Rooney Heart Institute, where I can help the team continue to advance, build, and innovate utilizing the latest minimally invasive surgical options for patients from across the region and beyond."

Dr. Lamelas comes to NCH after leading heart surgery at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine. His work in South Florida won praise from those he helped and those he worked with.