$25M St. Luke's Heart & Vascular Center Expansion

Heart and Vascular Expansion Update: June 2025

Third and Final Phase Underway, Hybrid Operating Room

Dr. Dustin Arnold, chief medical officer at UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's Hospital, visits with Justin McDonald, director of St. Luke's Heart and Vascular Services, about the final phase of St. Luke's $25 million Heart & Vascular Expansion.

Arnold: Can you recap phases one and two of the expansion project, then tell us about phase three?
​McDonald: All the phases are focused on advancing our procedural capabilities and capacity. Two of the three phases are complete and very much needed for our community.

• The first phase focused on electrophysiology (irregular heart rhythms) and expanding our lab capacity there. That opened late 2023.
• The second phase focused on vascular and interventional radiology (for services like imaging, biopsies, aneurysm repair and restoring blood flow to blocked vessels). That opened this past winter (early 2025).
• The third phase that we're in the middle of now is focused on a hybrid operating room where we do procedures like TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement), trans carotid artery revascularization, mitral valve repair through mitral clip, things of that nature.

Arnold: What is a hybrid operating room?
​McDonald: A hybrid operating room combines the elements of what you traditionally see in a cath lab, for example, with an operating room environment. Cardiovascular care has continued to advance, and over the years we've been able to do more procedures that require the elements of a traditional operating room, like those procedures I just mentioned. A big part of it is space. There’s a lot of personnel in these procedures – the OR team, general cardiologists doing imaging to help guide the procedures, interventionalists, structural cardiology physicians, a cardiothoracic surgeon, echocardiographers and then all the equipment.

Arnold: How does the community benefit by this expansion?
​McDonald: As we continue to evolve our capabilities, we need to be able to provide sufficient capacity. With the rapid growth of cardiovascular, particularly in certain specialties, we didn't have the capacity we needed. It has grown so rapidly that it was hard to keep pace. Electrophysiology is a good example of that. It used to take months to get in for a procedure, ablation in particular. Now, it's only a few weeks to get in. As one of the more advanced cardiovascular centers in the state, and certainly in Eastern Iowa, we needed to continue to evolve and grow. And part of that was simply having enough capacity.

Arnold: How does the community benefit by this expansion?
​McDonald: As we continue to evolve our capabilities, we need to be able to provide sufficient capacity. With the rapid growth of cardiovascular, particularly in certain specialties, we didn't have the capacity we needed. It has grown so rapidly that it was hard to keep pace. Electrophysiology is a good example of that. It used to take months to get in for a procedure, ablation in particular. Now, it's only a few weeks to get in. As one of the more advanced cardiovascular centers in the state, and certainly in Eastern Iowa, we needed to continue to evolve and grow. And part of that was simply having enough capacity.

Arnold: When will the project be complete?
​McDonald: We anticipate April 2026. The hybrid operating room is a complex element. Lots of planning has been involved. When you're coordinating between the OR, cardiology, vascular – multiple specialties – it’s very complex.

Arnold: Right now are procedures being done in the interventional lab?
​McDonald: Yes. We're still doing procedures in our current sort-of-hybrid space, but we'll have more advanced capabilities in the new space, and it’ll be located inside of the OR. From a workflow standpoint, in terms of the teams and equipment, it will be much more efficient.

Arnold: What else is happening in cardiology?
​McDonald: Like any specialty, recruitment's always a challenge, but we've done a really good job of recruiting and retaining both team members and physicians. That will probably always be a focus. The other element is how we coordinate within UnityPoint Health and work with other physicians and other UnityPoint Health facilities to make sure we're providing services as close to home as possible. Doing that in a well-coordinated manner, extending outreach to communities, is an important element as well. We are looking to continue to grow as a center of advanced care, but also connecting to other areas to make sure patients can stay home when appropriate.

Arnold: What do you enjoy most about your role?
​McDonald: The team. They do some amazing things day in, day out. Then they go home and clock in the next day and do the same thing. They don’t ask for thanks; it's just what they do. They’re just wired that way. They’re a dedicated bunch of individuals who have a lot of pride in what they do.

Tour St. Luke’s New Vascular & Interventional Radiology Labs: January, 2025

UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital recently celebrated a significant milestone with the completion of its vascular and interventional radiology labs expansion project. The newly expanded labs enable St. Luke’s Heart and Vascular teams to care for more patients as the demand for cardiac and other interventional procedures continues to rise.

The opening of the labs marks the completion of Phase 2 of the hospital’s $25 million Heart & Vascular Expansion, which began in 2022. The upgraded Vascular and Interventional Radiology department features two fully functional, state-of-the-art labs, along with a third lab designed to accommodate future expansion. These labs provide advanced imaging, biopsies, aneurysm repairs (treating ballooning vessels), and revascularization (restoring blood flow to blocked vessels). The new space also includes dedicated pre- and post-operative areas, enhancing the overall patient experience. Additionally, it includes a CT and fluoroscopy machine – located together in one lab.

Phase 1 of the Heart & Vascular Expansion, completed in 2024, introduced two electrophysiology labs, doubling the hospital’s capacity to perform procedures such as pacemaker insertions, implantable defibrillator placements, and cardiac ablations. The final phase of the project will focus on structural heart advancements, including the addition of a hybrid operating room equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

This expansion highlights St. Luke’s ongoing commitment as Cedar Rapids’ Heart Hospital to meet the growing needs of patients requiring specialized cardiac care.

Heart and Vascular Expansion Update: October 2024

We’re nearing completion of Phase 2 of our Heart and Vascular Center Expansion project. The newly renovated space will include a third vascular and interventional radiology lab, for services like imaging, biopsies, aneurysm repair and restoring blood flow to blocked vessels.

The two electrophysiology labs finished earlier this year during Phase 1, along with the addition of a third electrophysiologist, have more than doubled our capacity for patients who need pacemakers, implantable defibrillators and ablation procedures.

In 2025, we’ll round out the project with a hybrid operating room for structural heart repairs like catheter procedures for valve replacement.

These improvements may go unnoticed because they are happening within the hospital, where we are making efficient use of existing space. Ultimately, these upgrades mean increased access for the growing number of patients who needs St. Luke’s specialized heart and vascular care.

Pictured below (L-R): Team lockers, view from nurses' station, procedure room, lobby, control room.

Heart and Vascular Expansion Update: March 2024

St. Luke’s Heart & Vascular Expansion is on schedule, continuing with Phase 2, the installation of new Interventional Radiology (IR) and Vascular Labs on 3rd floor of the hospital. The new space will provide greater access to imaging and biopsies, treatment for aneurysms (ballooning vessels) and revascularization (restoring blood flow to blocked vessels).

This phase will also provide new, dedicated pre- and post-op space, further enhancing patient experience and optimizing care coordination. Expected completion of St. Luke’s Heart & Vascular Expansion Phase 2 is the end of 2024.

The third and final phase of the project, will focus on structural heart. Phase 3 consists of a hybrid operating room and state-the-art technology to treat defects and disorders of the heart’s structure, such as valve repair and replacement. Anticipated completion is Spring 2025.

Follow our progress at www.unitypoint.org/cr-heart.

Expansion Update, November 2023

St. Luke’s Second Electrophysiology (EP) Lab Now Open!

The first phase of St. Luke’s $25 million Heart & Vascular Center Expansion Project is now complete, with the opening of a second electrophysiology (EP) lab.

An EP lab is used for treatments such as pacemakers, implantable defibrillators and ablation procedures to correct Afib (irregular heartbeat). These services are in high demand, as St. Luke’s treats the most heart patients in Cedar Rapids. The additional EP lab will accommodate the growing number of patients who need St. Luke’s electrophysiology services.

The Heart & Vascular Center Expansion reflects St. Luke’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the community. It aligns with St. Luke’s reputation for excellence in cardiovascular services and ensures patients receive the most advanced heart care locally.

The next phases of the Heart & Vascular Center expansion are progressing on schedule. Phase two focuses on vascular and interventional radiology, providing greater access to imaging and biopsies, treatment for aneurysms (ballooning vessels) and revascularization (restoring blood flow to blocked vessels). It will also include new, dedicated space for pre- and post-op needs, providing optimal coordination and experience for patients. Anticipated completion of the vascular and interventional radiology space is fall 2024.

The third and final phase of our expansion project will enhance capabilities in structural heart with the addition of a hybrid operating room and state-of-the-art technology in spring 2025. Structural heart is the area of cardiology that treats defects and disorders of the heart’s structure, including valve repair and replacement.

For more information about St. Luke’s Heart & Vascular care visit unitypoint.org/cr-heart.

Expansion Update, September 2023

Cardiac Rehab Move Makes Room for New EP Lab

St. Luke’s Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab completed its move and began seeing patients in its new space on August 28. It is now located at Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa Medical Pavilion I, 202 10th Street SE, Suite 220, and has the same phone number (319) 369-7736. The new facility is conveniently located across from St. Luke’s Heart Care Clinic and offers:

• Reconfigured exercise/equipment area
• Oversized monitors for patient instruction
• Dedicated classroom for educational activities
• Updated patient lockers
• Additional space for staff

The relocation of Cardiac Rehab makes room for a new Vascular and Interventional Radiology Lab, which will improve patient access to treatments for heart problems such as aneurysms (bulging vessels) and blockages. The move also signifies the final stage of Phase 1 in St. Luke’s Heart & Vascular Center Expansion, construction of a second Electrophysiology (EP) Lab, which is already underway.

An EP Lab is used for treatments such as pacemakers, implantable defibrillators and ablation procedures to correct heart rhythm problems (Afib). A second lab will accommodate the increasing number of patients who require St. Luke’s specialized heart care, as St. Luke’s treats the most heart patients in Cedar Rapids.

Expansion Update: July 2023

St. Luke’s Heart & Vascular Center expansion continues as planned. Earlier this month, Diagnostic Cardiology began seeing patients in its new, larger space on 5 West. Take a tour:

Later this year, Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab will move across from St. Luke’s Heart Care Clinic on the second floor of PCI Pavilion I. Construction is underway and on schedule. Patients will benefit from its close proximity to the cardiology clinic and providers.

Phase 1 (2023) Moving Diagnostic Cardiology and Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab will ultimately allow St. Luke’s to finalize the first phase of the Heart and Vascular Center Expansion this fall, culminating with a second Electrophysiology (EP) Lab. An EP lab is used for treatments such as pacemakers, implantable defibrillators and ablation procedures to correct heart rhythm problems (Afib). A second EP Lab is needed to support the growing number of patients who require St. Luke’s specialized care, as St. Luke’s performs 80% of the EP procedures done in Cedar Rapids.

Phase 2 (2024) will focus on Vascular and Interventional Radiology, providing greater access to imaging and biopsies, treatment for aneurysms (ballooning vessels) and revascularization (restoring blood flow to blocked vessels. This phase will also include new, dedicated space for pre- and post-op needs, providing optimal coordination and experience for patients. 

Phase 3 (2024) will enhance capabilities in structural heart with the addition of a hybrid operating room and state-of-the-art technology. Structural heart is the area of cardiology that treats defects and disorders of the heart’s structure, including valve repair and replacement. St. Luke’s heart and vascular team continually works to bring cutting-edge treatment options to the area, so patients don’t need to travel out of town for advanced heart care.

Expansion Update: February 2023

Phase 1 of St. Luke’s Heart & Vascular Center expansion is progressing as scheduled. It involves relocating Diagnostic Cardiology and Cardiac Rehab, and will culminate with a second Electrophysiology Lab, plus additional prep and recovery space, by the end of the year. See floor plans of new spaces.

St. Luke’s is the area’s leader in Electrophysiology (EP), a growing specialty of cardiology that treats the electrical system of the heart, using pacemakers, implantable defibrillators and ablation procedures to correct Afib (irregular heart rhythm).

Because St. Luke’s goal is to make efficient use of space, two clinics were successfully relocated earlier this month to make room for the EP lab. Dr. Mathew and the Rehab and Pain Center moved to first floor of the Medical Office Plaza (855 A Avenue), and the Neurosurgery Clinic began seeing patients in its new space on 5 West.

The next stage of Phase 1 includes:

• Moving Diagnostic Cardiology from 4th floor to a larger, updated area on the 5th floor of the Heart & Vascular Center.
• Constructing a new, 4,800-foot Cardiopulmonary Rehab Center, conveniently located across from St. Luke’s Heart Care Clinic in Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa (PCI) Pavilion I, at 202 10th St. SE, Cedar Rapids.

Anticipated move-in date for both spaces is July 2023. For more information about the entire project, check out our Expansion Project Video:

Expansion Update: November 2022

Work continues on-time and on-budget for St. Luke's $25 million heart and vascular services expansion project. All changes are taking place behind-the-scenes, inside the existing Nassif Heart Center to make the most efficient use of funding and space, providing increased capacity and a smoother workflow for optimal patient care.

To accommodate next steps, St. Luke's Foundation has moved to 810 First Avenue, on the second floor. Other changes scheduled for early 2023 include:

• January 2023, Neurosurgery Clinic will move to the west side of St. Luke's 5 West.
• February 2023, Stanley Mathew, MD, and the Physical Medicine Physiatry Clinic will move to the first floor of the Medical Office Plaza (MOP) building, where St. Luke's Foundation had been located.
• March 2023, Construction for Diagnostic Cardiology will start on the east side of St. Luke's 5 West.

Expansion Announcement: June 2022

As part of its commitment as a leader in providing the most comprehensive and cutting-edge heart care to Eastern Iowans, St. Luke’s Hospital is investing $25 million in expanding its Heart and Vascular services within the Nassif Heart Center to support the innovation and expertise of the largest group of cardiovascular providers and continue to offer the most advanced heart care in Cedar Rapids.

With over 40 years of leading heart care advancements, St. Luke’s was Cedar Rapids’ first hospital to pioneer open heart surgery in 1978 and has been a leader in bringing the latest and most advanced procedures to the community for better patient care and outcomes. This tradition of innovation and medical firsts will continue for UnityPoint Health’s 32 cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons and advanced practice providers who, along with area vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists, offer the most comprehensive heart and vascular services in general cardiology, electrophysiology, interventional cardiology, structural cardiology, vascular procedures, and cardiothoracic surgery.

Investment Focus

The multi-million-dollar expansion will consolidate and enhance St. Luke’s heart and vascular capabilities into one comprehensive center, building upon an already strong foundation as the leader of heart and vascular services in Eastern Iowa. The investment and expansion will focus on several areas:

A second electrophysiology (EP) lab will be added to the Nassif Heart Center. EP procedures correct issues with the heart’s rhythm. This expansion will allow for anticipated growth for these procedures and ensure St. Luke’s heart team is able to build upon its strong expertise in this field of cardiovascular care.

Relocating and expanding St. Luke’s Vascular and Interventional Radiology Labs. By expanding the hospital’s lab capacity and technology, the heart and vascular team will be able to better serve
Eastern Iowans. This expansion will also include dedicated space for pre- and post-op needs,
providing optimal coordination and experience for patients.

Building a dedicated cardiovascular hybrid operating room (OR), which will allow for more complex, advanced cardiovascular procedures at St. Luke’s. The new hybrid OR will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology to support St. Luke’s multi-disciplinary team of cardiovascular specialists in expanding capabilities and improving patient outcomes. An example of a procedure performed in a cardiovascular hybrid operating room is transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), which is a procedure to replace a diseased aortic valve. St. Luke’s was the first to bring this procedure to Cedar Rapids in 2016 and is the first and only hospital in the state that has earned TAVR certification from the American College of Cardiology. The team recently surpassed its 400th TAVR.

Largest Heart Center in Cedar Rapids

St. Luke’s Nassif Heart Center originally opened in 2000 and, at 98,000 square feet, is the largest and most comprehensive heart center in the area. In 2018, St. Luke’s invested $5 million in equipment upgrades and renovations to patient rooms.

“St. Luke’s Heart Care is a long-time leader and innovator in offering complex, specialized cardiovascular care in Eastern Iowa,” said Richard Kettelkamp, DO, St. Luke’s Heart Care interventional cardiologist and medical director of cardiovascular services. “Our heart team is proud of this reputation, takes pride in this distinction and considers it our responsibility to continue to offer the area’s most advanced cardiac care. We have long been known as Cedar Rapids’ Heart Hospital and this expansion will continue our legacy and commitment to providing exceptional patient care and innovation.”

“Vascular surgery has also experienced a rapid increase in innovations in recent years,” shared David Lawrence, MD, Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa vascular and endovascular surgeon. “St. Luke’s new hybrid OR will allow us to combine traditional and minimally invasive surgery in a single setting to be most
efficient in the care of the patient.”

“Our expansion signifies our commitment to our patients and community in continuing to offer complex, specialized cardiovascular care,” said Michelle Niermann, UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids president and CEO. “We’ve offered exceptional, advanced cardiovascular care for over 40 years, and this is our response to the growing number of patients seeking heart care and needing St. Luke’s unique expertise for advanced heart procedures.”

St. Luke’s has been recognized as a Fortune/IBM Watson Health 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospital six times and is recognized by the American College of Cardiology for “Platinum” performance for Chest Pain and earned the Chest Pain Accreditation. The expansion will take place within the current Nassif Heart Center at St. Luke’s Hospital and construction is underway.

Advanced Heart Treatments Offered at St. Luke’s

Over the last 40 years St. Luke’s has pioneered latest heart procedures in Cedar Rapids. Some of the advanced heart procedures introduced and offered at St. Luke’s include:

• Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) (2017) - Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) is used to treat patients with carotid artery disease who are at increased risk for open surgery.
• Watchman for Afib (2017) - An alternative to open heart surgery, this device helps prevent clots from forming in the heart.
• MitraClip for Mitral Valve Repair (2021) - Catheter-inserted device used to correct mitral regurgitation (a leaking mitral valve) and doesn’t require open heart surgery.
• Cardiac ablation procedures - These minimally invasive procedures use heat (radiofrequency ablation) or cold (cryoablation) to block the abnormal electrical signals that cause arrhythmia. This helps restore a normal heartbeat—sometimes permanently.

Learn why St. Luke’s is Cedar Rapids’ Heart Hospital or call (319) 364-7101 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced cardiologists.