NCH Rooney Heart Institute Awarded Top Designation of Three Stars for 2023 by Society of Thoracic Surgeons | NCH Healthcare System (2024)

Naples, FL., May 20, 2024 — NCH Rooney Heart Institute proudly announces its latest achievement in cardiac care excellence, earning the prestigious designation of three stars in isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) and isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for the year 2023 by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). This remarkable accomplishment marks the 12th consecutive year that NCH has received this esteemed distinction for CABG procedures and the first time in five years we have received three stars for AVR.

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) analyzed patient data spanning from calendar years 2021 through 2023 to evaluate and recognize hospitals across the nation for their exceptional cardiac surgical outcomes. Historically, 20% of STS Database participants receive the three-star rating for CABG, and only 3% – 6% of participants receive the three-star rating for AVR surgery. NCH Rooney Heart Institute’s consistent dedication to superior patient care and surgical expertise has once again been acknowledged through this significant recognition.

This recognition underscores NCH Rooney Heart Institute’s unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality of cardiac care to our patients. Already ranked third in the state of Florida by Healthgrades for our cardiac services, we are deeply proud of this latest achievement and what it signifies for the well-being of cardiac patients in our community and beyond.

“Earning the top designation of three stars in aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting for the 12th consecutive year is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our exceptional team of cardiac surgeons, nurses, and support staff,” said Robert J. Cubeddu, MD, Medical Director at NCH Rooney Heart Institute. “This achievement reaffirms our commitment to delivering outstanding care and outcomes to every patient we serve.”

“Dr. Stephen D’Orazio, Dr. Brian Solomon, myself and our entire team, have dedicated ourselves wholeheartedly to delivering exceptional cardiac care to this community,” said Robert Pascotto, MD, Cardio Thoracic Surgeon, NCH Rooney Heart Institute. “It is truly gratifying to receive this recognition.”
“The Society of Thoracic Surgeons congratulates STS National Database participants who have received three-star ratings,” said David M. Shahian, MD, chair of the Task Force on Quality Measurement. “Participation in the Database and public reporting demonstrates a commitment to quality improvement in health care delivery and provides patients and their families with meaningful information to help them make informed decisions about health care.”

“This recognition by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons is yet another testament to the exceptional quality of care offered at NCH,” said Paul Hiltz, President and CEO, NCH. “We are proud of the dedication and expertise of our entire team at NCH Rooney Heart Institute, whose unwavering commitment to excellence continues to earn national recognition and, most importantly, positively impacts the lives of our patients.”

NCH Rooney Heart Institute remains steadfast in its mission to advance cardiac care excellence, continually striving to innovate and elevate standards in cardiovascular surgery to improve patient outcomes and enhance overall quality of life.

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