Naples' Rooney Heart Institute Earns Elite National Ranking

NAPLES, FL – February 09, 2026 – The NCH Rooney Heart Institute has been named one of the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals, a prestigious first-time honor that places the Southwest Florida institution among the country's elite for heart care. The recognition, published by Modern Healthcare and based on an independent analysis by Premier, Inc., validates Naples Comprehensive Health's (NCH) strategic push toward clinical excellence and technological innovation.

This national distinction is not an award hospitals can apply for. Instead, it is earned through a rigorous, data-driven evaluation of performance, highlighting a deep commitment to superior patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and cutting-edge cardiovascular services that are reshaping healthcare in the region.

A New Standard of Excellence

Being named to the 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals list is a significant achievement, separating recognized institutions from their peers through objectively measured results. The analysis, conducted by Premier, Inc., uses a balanced scorecard approach to evaluate performance across 21 different measures using publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

The methodology scrutinizes every facet of cardiovascular care, from clinical outcomes and operational efficiency to patient experience and extended outcomes following discharge. Hospitals are compared against peer groups of similar size and teaching status, ensuring a fair and comprehensive assessment. The evaluation covers key procedures and conditions, including heart attack (AMI), heart failure (HF), coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

According to Premier's research, hospitals that make the Top 50 list demonstrate markedly better results. If all hospitals performed at this level, it could save over 14,000 additional lives and prevent more than 27,000 complications annually. Top performers have shown up to 66% fewer deaths for certain procedures, significantly lower complication rates, and higher 30-day survival rates. Patients at these hospitals also benefit from shorter stays—sometimes a full day less for major surgeries like CABG—and lower costs, with savings reaching nearly $7,000 per case for some treatments. This recognition signifies that the NCH Rooney Heart Institute is delivering care that meets or exceeds these demanding benchmarks.

The Engine of Innovation: Technology Redefining Treatment

A key driver behind NCH's ascent is its aggressive investment in a suite of advanced technologies that are pushing the boundaries of cardiovascular medicine. The institute has become a beacon for innovation, often being the first to deploy next-generation tools that allow for earlier detection and more precise, less invasive treatments.

At the forefront is the adoption of groundbreaking AI-powered imaging. The Rooney Heart Institute is the first hospital in the nation to use both CaRi-Plaque™ and CaRi-Heart® technologies. This AI-driven analysis of coronary CT scans allows physicians to not only identify high-risk plaque but also to detect and measure coronary inflammation—a crucial early warning sign of heart disease. This provides a risk score that can predict the likelihood of a major cardiac event up to a decade in advance, shifting the paradigm from reactive treatment to proactive, personalized prevention.

The institute’s leadership extends into the catheterization lab. It was the first in Florida to use the Shockwave C2 AERO™ Coronary Catheter, a device that uses sonic energy to safely fracture hardened calcium in arteries, making it possible to stent previously difficult-to-treat blockages. NCH also participated as one of only two sites in Florida for a clinical trial of the Affera™ Mapping and Ablation System, a sophisticated tool that integrates high-density mapping with dual-energy ablation to offer more precise, patient-specific treatments for complex arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation. These advancements are housed in newly expanded catheterization and electrophysiology labs designed to handle a high volume of complex procedures.

Furthermore, the institute leverages next-generation hybrid operating rooms. These state-of-the-art suites combine advanced imaging and surgical capabilities, allowing multidisciplinary teams of cardiologists, surgeons, and imaging specialists to collaborate in real-time on complex cases. This integrated approach improves precision, enhances safety, and supports the minimally invasive procedures that are a hallmark of the institute's care, leading to faster patient recovery.

From Regional Leader to Florida Powerhouse

This national recognition solidifies NCH's position not only as a regional leader but also as a major force in Florida's highly competitive healthcare landscape. The state is home to several renowned cardiovascular centers, including Mayo Clinic-Jacksonville, UF Health Shands Hospital, and Sarasota Memorial Hospital, which was also recognized on the 2026 Top 50 list. NCH's inclusion in this elite group is a testament to its rapid growth and clinical prowess.

The institute’s success is built on a foundation of consistent quality, evidenced by other accolades. NCH is recognized by Healthgrades as one of America's Top 50 Hospitals, placing it in the top 1% nationally for clinical excellence, and its cardiac care is ranked among the top three in Florida. The system's hospitals have also earned 'A' grades for safety from the Leapfrog Group, an independent watchdog organization.

This combination of advanced technology, a multidisciplinary team model, and a relentless focus on quality has fueled significant growth. “Our teams are focused on delivering exceptional, patient-centered care, leveraging leading-edge technology and evidence-based practices to continuously improve outcomes and the overall patient experience,” said Robert Cubeddu, MD, President of the NCH Rooney Heart Institute. “As a result, we are now the busiest heart program in the state of Florida.” This claim reflects the institute's expanding influence and its role as a major provider of complex cardiac services.

World-Class Care, Close to Home

For the residents of Southwest Florida, the NCH Rooney Heart Institute's national ranking has a direct and profound impact: access to world-class heart care without the need to travel. The availability of top-tier physicians and leading-edge procedures locally means patients can receive life-saving treatments near their homes and support systems.

This milestone is the culmination of a deliberate strategy to build a comprehensive cardiovascular program that serves the community at the highest level. As a locally governed, non-profit healthcare system, NCH's mission is fundamentally tied to the well-being of the region it serves.

“This recognition reflects the extraordinary work of our physicians, nurses and care teams who deliver advanced cardiovascular care every day,” said Paul Hiltz, President and CEO of Naples Comprehensive Health. “Being named one of Premier Modern Healthcare’s Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospitals for the first time is a significant milestone for NCH and for the Rooney Heart Institute, and it reinforces our commitment to providing world-class heart care close to home.”

The honor from Modern Healthcare is more than just an award; it is an affirmation that the strategic investments in technology, talent, and patient-centered processes at the NCH Rooney Heart Institute are saving lives, improving health outcomes, and setting a new standard for cardiovascular care in Southwest Florida and beyond.