The Medical Center, Navicent Health Recognized for Quality Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

The Medical Center, Navicent Health (MCNH) has been recognized as a leading hospital for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (AAA). The hospital was honored by U.S. News & World Report in its annual Best Hospitals compilation.

"We are so proud of our vascular surgeons and the work they are doing, particularly in the area of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Being recognized by U.S. News & World Report as high performing in the treatment of this condition is a testimony to the quality of care they are providing for our patients," said Dr. Ninfa M. Saunders, President and CEO of Atrium Health Navicent.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm, an enlargement in the lower part of the aorta, is difficult to detect. However, because the aorta is the body's leading supplier of blood, a ruptured AAA can cause life-threatening internal bleeding. Although many patients may not experience symptoms, as an AAA enlarges, a patient may experience a pulsating feeling near the navel, constant pain in the abdomen, or back pain. Although the exact cause of AAA is unknown, contributing factors may include tobacco use, high blood pressure, infections in the aorta or trauma. The condition may also be hereditary.

"We specialize in treating highly difficult cases at The Medical Center, Navicent Health. Our team of vascular surgeons is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to the patients of this region, allowing them to remain close to home for necessary treatment and recovery. We are so pleased that our work has been recognized by a trusted industry watchdog like U.S. News & World Report," said J. William Mix, M.D., board certified vascular surgeon with Vascular Institute, Atrium Health Navicent.

The U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings recognize hospitals that excel in treating the most challenging patients, and help guide patients - particularly those who face a difficult surgery, a challenging condition or extra risk due to age or multiple health problems - to hospitals that deliver outstanding care. The Best Hospitals methodologies include objective measures such as patient survival, the number of times a given procedure is performed, infection rates and adequacy of nurse staffing. In addition to AAA, MCNH was also recognized as a high performer in the areas of chronic obstructive pulmonary syndrome, colon cancer surgery, heart failure, hip replacement, knee replacement and lung cancer surgery.

The U.S. News analysis of hospitals includes data from nearly 5,000 centers across multiple clinical specialties, procedures and conditions. Scores are based on a variety of patient outcome and care-related factors, including patient safety. In rankings by state and metro area, U.S. News recognized hospitals that were high-performing across multiple areas of care.

Please visit www.navicenthealth.org/service-center/heart-and-vascular-care/home For more information about Vascular Institute, Atrium Health Navicent.

About Best Hospitals

Best Hospitals was produced by U.S. News with RTI International, a leading research organization based in Research Triangle Park, N.C. The rankings were published in the U.S. News "Best Hospitals 2017" guidebook, available for sale August 1. For more information, visit Best Hospitals and use #BestHospitals on Facebook and Twitter.

About Atrium Health Navicent

Atrium Health Navicent was incorporated on November 17, 1994, as a nonprofit corporation whose primary purpose is to coordinate the Medical Center, Navicent Health and other affiliated entities in their mission of providing a comprehensive continuum of high quality, reasonably priced healthcare services to the region. Atrium Health Navicent has 830 beds for medical, surgical, rehabilitation and hospice purposes. The health system includes The Medical Center, Navicent Health, a nationally recognized tertiary teaching hospital; Atrium Health Navicent Beverly Knight Olson Children's Hospital, the region's only dedicated pediatric hospital; Medical Center of Peach County, Atrium Health Navicent, a rural critical access hospital; Rehabilitation Hospital, Atrium Health Navicent, the region's oldest and most experienced rehabilitation provider; Pine Pointe, Atrium Health Navicent, which provides palliative and hospice care in homes and in its facility; Carlyle Place, Atrium Health Navicent, the area's first continuing care retirement community; Navicent Health Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Atrium Health Navicent; as well as diagnostic and home care services. For more information, please visit www.navicenthealth.org.