STS Awards The Medical Center of Central Georgia Prestigious 3 Star Rating
Society for Thoracic Surgeons Honors MCCG's Open Heart Surgery Program
MACON, GA (Monday, July 21, 2014) – The Medical Center of Central Georgia (MCCG) recently earned the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) prestigious 3 Star rating. The 3 Star rating represents the highest award for heart surgery practices participating in STS' national specialty database, which features more than 1,000 facilities.
MCCG received the award based on analysis of first time isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery patients during 2013.
“The 3 Star rating confirmed by the STS is widely regarded as the gold standard by which cardiac surgery programs are evaluated. It is the highest honor achievable. The 3 Star rating is a testament to the expertise of our surgeons and the commitment of our physicians and staff to quality and excellence,,” said Dr. Fady Wanna, Chief Medical Officer for MCCG.
The comprehensive rating system was developed on evidenced-based best practices proven through research. It allows for comparisons regarding quality cardiac surgery among participating hospitals across the U.S. The categories of outcome measurement include the following:
- Absence of Mortality
- Absence of Morbidity – avoiding post-operative complications such as renal failure, stroke, infection, re-operation during the same stay or prolonged time on a ventilator
- Use of the Internal Mammary Artery (IMA).
- Appropriate use of Medications
“The STS database is the only one that is uniform and consistent for all patients throughout the country. It compares a facility nationally with its peers. Our cardiac patients can rest assured that we provide the highest level of excellent care at The Medical Center of Central Georgia,” said Dr. Wanna.
Of MCCG's 674 total open heart surgery cases in 2013, 396 were CABG patients and 146were AVR patients, while 124patients were both CABG and AVR.