VAD care in Ft. Myers/Naples, FL area

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Anonymous

VAD care in Ft. Myers/Naples, FL area

Tue, 12/08/2020 - 1:16PM

Hello,

My husband and I are considering spending a month or so in the Ft. Myers/Naples, FL area. I'd be more comfortable if I knew of a hospital/cardiology group located in the area that I could contact in case there would be any type of emergency that could come up with my husband's Medtronic LVAD. The Hospital Indicator App doesn't seem to have any information about this area, but I have to believe there would be many who have an LVAD living in this part of Florida. I would appreciate anyone with information that could give me some peace of mind about traveling. Thanks in advance.

Marsha

Barbara G.

We lived in Port Charlotte…

Mon, 12/14/2020 - 11:04AM

We lived in Port Charlotte when my husband had an LVAD from 2013 to 2016 and had to go to Tampa General for his care. Depending on exactly where you'd be staying, you might be closer to Miami, but we are not aware of anywhere in SW Florida that offers a VAD program. The hospital system in Charlotte County initiated a program, led by the great Dr. Christiano Caldeira, in 2013, but the system changed hands and discontinued the program after only one VAD surgery- my husband's! Dr. Caldeira also did his transplant in 2016 and hubby is doing great. His office is now located in Largo. We HIGHLY recommend Dr. Caldeira. He is the best of the best. We moved out of Florida in 2019 so there may be something closer to Ft. Myers now. Best wishes to you!

Rosa A.

Ftmyers

Mon, 10/31/2022 - 8:55PM

I am from ftmyers my husband had surgery in NC because of the often visits to the hospital, we moved to Tampa. We live north of Tampa in New port richey, I wanted to live near the beach and it was cheaper in this area. Nothing in ftmyers for loads. Not even Naples. Tampa or Miami

Barbara G.

Charlotte County

Tue, 11/01/2022 - 9:26AM

Yes, although I would think that there are still some staff members at the Peace River Hospital cardiac tower in Port Charlotte who could assist with an emergency situation. They had a team fully trained on the VAD system in 2013/2014 and I would imagine some of those people are still there. They had an amazing, very caring staff.

Christine L.

Hi Marsha! Tampa General…

Mon, 12/14/2020 - 11:42AM

Hi Marsha! Tampa General Hospital has quite a few LVAD patients in the Ft. Myers/Naples. I have been seen there for the last 8-1/2 years and consider myself lucky to have settled in a place with such a well-developed LVAD program consisting of informed and caring personnel. In "normal" times, there is also a large support group (Beat after Beat) for LVAD patients in the Tampa area. You can check their website for more information.