- Kristi Powers
Choose the health content that’s right for you, and get it delivered right in your inbox.

In a remarkable season of medical innovation, physicians with the AdventHealth Heart, Lung and Vascular Institute performed three groundbreaking procedures, marking significant advancements in patient care. These “firsts” represent a leap forward in the treatment of cardiovascular conditions for residents of Central Florida.
“Being first means we can offer our community access to leading treatments that may not be available elsewhere,” said Gordon Wesley vice president of the institute, who emphasized the significance of being at the forefront of medical and technological advancements. “This not only enhances patient outcomes but also attracts top talent and fosters clinical richness in the area, ultimately increasing access to care for our communities.”

On March 13, Dr. Nipun Arora, an interventional cardiologist, along with colleagues Dr. Rodrigo Do Lago and Dr. Jorge Suarez, performed the first-in-Central Florida Navitor Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure. This minimally invasive procedure replaces the need for open-heart surgery, ultimately reducing recovery time. It treats aortic valve stenosis by replacing a narrow valve in the heart with a new one. This new technique not only ensures successful valve replacement but also holds promise for future heart surgeries.

The following day, on March 14, Dr. Naushad Shaik, electrophysiologist and EP medical director, led the inaugural Pulse Field Ablation (PFA) procedure in Central Florida. PFA is a promising new treatment for atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients. It’s a safer, more efficient approach than traditional methods that use heat, which can inadvertently damage surrounding tissues. PFA delivers short-duration electrical pulses to the cardiac tissue. The energy from the pulses kills the cells in the tissue causing the irregular heart rate and rhythm, therefore restoring the heart to a more normal condition.

Rounding out the trifecta, on May 21, Dr. Mark Steiner, an interventional cardiologist, conducted the first commercial renal denervation procedure in Central Florida. This innovative treatment targets patients with high blood pressure who do not respond to medication alone. High blood pressure affects nearly half of all Americans and can lead to serious health complications if left uncontrolled. This procedure uses radiofrequency on nerves in the kidney, which can cause hypertension. This offers a minimally invasive solution for managing a prevalent condition that can improve the quality of life for countless patients.

“It is very rare we are able to do three, new technologically advanced procedures within weeks of each other,” said Wesley. “This is a testament to the collaboration with many on our team as well as the innovation happening at AdventHealth. We’ve become a destination for both experts and partners to leverage technology and knowledge simultaneously to advance patient care for our communities.”
Wesley adds that part of advancing patient care also means expanding care into new areas of the community to include an extension of the structural heart program at AdventHealth Celebration to include the TAVR program this month.
Recent News
NorthStar Anesthesia, a leading anesthesia care organization serving hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers nationwide, is proud to announce the expansion of its relationship with AdventHealth...
AdventHealth now offers in-room medical care for Walt Disney World® Resort Guests, providing convenient treatment for non-emergency conditions daily
AdventHealth Waterman Wound Care Center receives a national award for excellence.
AdventHealth Corporate Care Tampa will serve the unique medical needs of first responders and corporate clients throughout the West Florida region.
June is Men’s Health Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the unique health challenges men face and the importance of proactive care.
Hundreds of community members, local leaders, and AdventHealth team members got an exclusive first look at AdventHealth Ocala's new medical office building, meant to expand the hospital’s network of...
AdventHealth is excited to welcome Andrew Prizigley, PA-C, to our team at AdventHealth | Southeastern Orthopedics and Spine at Turtle Creek*. Prizigley is a board-certified physician assistant and...
Bob Smith, 86, stays strong and committed to his health thanks to 18 years with AdventHealth Shawnee Mission’s Move 4 Life Program.
AdventHealth Centra Care’s Dr. Tim Hendrix shares essential summer safety tips for wherever your plans may take you.
AdventHealth Centra Care’s Dr. Tim Hendrix shares essential summer safety tips for wherever your plans may take you.
AdventHealth Aurora Highlands will be served by geothermal energy, helping reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption.
For Dr. Matthew Wideroff, planting roots in Palm Coast felt like the right next step in both his career and family life. After years of surgical training and early practice outside the state, the Boca...