Society for Thoracic Surgeons Awards Three Stars for Second Straight Year

New York City, NY ( July 20, 2011) - For the second straight year, The Montefiore Einstein Center for Heart and Vascular Care has been awarded the highest ranking of three stars for the quality of its cardiac surgery program by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). Programs receiving the three-star rating from the organization are considered to be among the top tier of heart surgery centers in the United States. 

"We are proud to once again receive the Society of Thoracic Surgeons highest ranking of three stars for outstanding quality and outcomes in cardiac surgery," said Robert E. Michler, MD, Surgeon-in-Chief and Chairman of the Departments of Surgery and Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery at Montefiore Medical Center.  "This achievement recognizes not only the technical expertise of our cardiac surgery faculty but the consistency of our commitment to quality in cardiac care.  Being acknowledged by those who are the leaders in our field encourages us to continue our efforts to bring the best heart care available to those we serve."

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, an organization of more than 6,000 surgeons, researchers and healthcare professionals worldwide dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for congenital, thoracic and adult cardiac surgery, has developed a comprehensive rating system for the quality of cardiac surgery performed at hospitals across the country.  In the current analysis of national data covering the period from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010, Montefiore's performance was found to be in the highest quality tier.  Approximately 12 to 15% of hospitals in the U.S. receive the three-star rating. 

The Montefiore Einstein Center for Heart and Vascular Care

The Montefiore Einstein Center for Heart and Vascular Care offers treatment for every type of heart disease or heart problem.  Montefiore/Albert Einstein College of Medicine doctors are leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of complex cardiac illnesses such as ventricular arrhythmias and profound congestive heart failure.  Montefiore is among only a handful of open-heart surgery units in the region designated as a heart transplant center.