Rating: UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute tops in U.S. and Canada

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute in Central Pa. has been rated one of the top cardiac surgery programs in the United States and Canada. 

UPMC said it has achieved the distinguished three-star rating, the highest rating possible, from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) in four out of five total categories for patient care and outcomes. 

The categories include aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery combined with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery; isolated CABG surgery; isolated AVR surgery; and isolated mitral valve replacement and repair surgery. 

“This is a huge milestone for UPMC in Central Pa.,” said Dr. Hemal Gada, president of the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute in Central Pa. “This three-star rating places UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute in Central Pa. among the most elite cardiac surgery programs — the top 1% — in the United States and Canada. This reflects not only the outstanding skills of our surgeons and staff, but also the world-class care our cardiac patients receive.” 

 According to STS data, historically, very few hospitals achieve three-star ratings in four categories. Approximately four to eight percent of participants receive a three-star rating for AVR+CABG surgery, approximately 20% of hospital participants receive a three-rating for Isolated CABG surgery and approximately four to seven percent of hospital participants receive a three-star rating for isolated AVR surgery. 

“The fact that the Heart and Vascular team at UPMC in Central Pa. achieved the highest ratings while facing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic is remarkable,” said Dr. David Loran, chief of cardiac and vascular surgery, UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at Central Pa. “This rating demonstrates the commitment this team has in making better outcomes possible for our patients.” 

The STS is the world’s premier clinical registry for cardiac surgery and contains data from more than 1,000 cardiac surgery institutions that represent approximately six million records, UPMC said. Participation in the STS registry represents UPMC’s commitment to improving the care provided to heart surgery patients. 

 “I’m incredibly proud of the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute in Central Pa. for this tremendous accomplishment,” said Lou Baverso, president, UPMC in Central Pa. “Congratulations to the entire team for their dedication to providing outstanding patient care and for delivering excellent quality outcomes every day.”