NYU Top Cardiac Imaging Specialists Join the Lee Health Heart Institute

Dr. Shant Manoushagian and Dr. Juan Gaztanaga have joined the Lee Health Heart Institute, bringing new expertise to Southwest Florida and supporting the growing cardiac imaging program at Lee Health.

Interpreting cardiac scans requires specialized medical training, giving cardiologists key details about a patient’s heart and major blood vessels. While some imaging can be necessary to diagnose trouble, other types of images guide preventive measures to avoid cardiac issues before they even begin. 

Dr. Manoushagian, who specializes in advanced cardiac imaging, comes to Lee Health from NYU Langone Health System. He will be the Director of Cardiac Imaging at Gulf Coast Medical Center. 

Dr. Gaztanaga also comes to Lee Health from NYU Langone Health System. He specializes in cardiac disease and will be the Medical Director of Cardiac CT/Advanced Imaging at HealthPark Medical Center. 

“Advanced cardiac imaging plays a vital role in diagnosing, treating, and preventing heart disease, and having world-class specialists like Dr. Manoushagian and Dr. Gaztanaga at Lee Health strengthens our ability to provide the highest level of care,” said Chief Physician Executive of the Lee Health Heart Institute Dr. Malissa Wood. “Their expertise will enhance our ability to detect heart conditions early, personalize treatment plans, and ultimately improve patient outcomes across Southwest Florida.” 

Dr. Manoushagian received his Doctorate of Medicine from Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, completed his Internal Medicine residency and Cardiac fellowship at Temple University Hospital, and his Advanced Cardiac Imaging fellowship at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital. He is also board certified in internal medicine, cardiology/cardiovascular disease, echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, cardiac CT, and cardiac MRI. 

Dr. Gaztanaga received his Doctorate of Medicine at Chicago Medical School at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine Science, completed his residency at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, and his cardiac fellowship at NYU Langone Hospital – Long Island. He did Advanced Cardiac Imaging Fellowship at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

“Dr. Manoushagian and Dr. Gaztanaga are both highly trained cardiac imaging experts who will help elevate the cardiology program and its offerings to patients in Southwest Florida,” said Dr. Juan Lopez-Mattei, medical director of cardiac imaging for the Lee Health Heart Institute. “They are both passionate about providing exceptional patient care and will bring suchbenefit to the Southwest Florida community.”

In addition to expanding the number of highly qualified cardiac imaging specialists, the Lee Health Heart Institute is also equipped with state-of-the-art imaging technology to help ensure that the community receives the best possible heart care. 

The SOMATOM Pro.Pulse from Siemens Healthineers is a dual-source CT scanner designed to improve diagnostic imaging for cardiac care. The scanner features an AI-powered interface, called myExam Companion, which customizes scanning protocols for each patient, and an optional FAST 3D camera for precise positioning. It also offers operational efficiency with reduced space requirements and 20% less power consumption compared to traditional systems.

Having access to the most precise scans helps cardiologists understand the important details about the heart and how to use this information to provide patients with the best care.

The Lee Health Heart Institute is the largest heart program in Southwest Florida. It believes in a collaborative approach to cardiac care where cardiac imaging experts work closely with the referring physician to ensure a personalized care plan that meets each patient’s unique needs. Based at HealthPark Medical Center, the Lee Health Heart Institute specializes in everything from primary and specialty care, advanced cardiac imaging, cardiac rehabilitation and more.

To learn more, please visit www.leehealth.org.