Washington, D.C., May 29, 2013 – For the seventh year in a row, the prestigious Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) has recognized the cardiac surgery program at MedStar Heart Institute with its highest quality rating. The top-tier, three-star rating once again places MedStar Heart Institute, headquartered at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, among the top surgical heart programs in the country.

The cardiac surgery program has earned the top rating since 2006 when STS developed its comprehensive evaluation system, measuring the quality of cardiac surgical procedures at hospitals nationwide. The evaluations are based on a combination of 11 quality measures grouped into four categories: survival rates, complications, proper medication use, and optimal surgical technique. Clinicians widely regard the rating as the gold standard by which to evaluate cardiac surgery programs.

Only 10 percent of hospitals achieve the coveted three-star rating.

"This represents another exemplary recognition for our heart surgery program, reinforcing our commitment to patient outcomes and clinical excellence," said Paul Corso, MD, chair of the board, MedStar Heart Institute. "As a leader in treating some of the most difficult cases in the region, we’ll continue to focus on delivering the highest levels of quality care to our patients."

The STS releases quality awards semiannually, based on a full-year of data. The three-star designation for the Heart Institute covered data from the period January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012.

To learn more about the cardiac surgery program at MedStar Heart Institute, click here.

About MedStar Heart Institute

MedStar Heart Institute, headquartered at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, is a national leader in the research, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease, and has been the premier destination for cardiac care in the nation's capital for more than 50 years. U.S.News & World Report and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons consistently recognize the Washington region’s preeminent heart program as one of the nation’s best.

In 2013, MedStar Heart Institute entered into a first-of-its-kind clinical and research alliance with world-renowned Cleveland Clinic Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart & Vascular Institute, uniting two of the nation’s top heart programs. Together, the two organizations will bring the most promising, innovative cardiac care and research to the Washington, D.C. region. Visit us at www.MedStarHeartInstitute.org.

So Young Pak
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