Cardiovascular Surgery
If you need coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, Virginia Hospital Center is one of the best places to have it. According to 2007 data from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Adult Cardiac Surgery Database, the Hospital's cardiac patients have more severe heart disease than at the average U.S. medical facility. The result is a surgical team more experienced and adept at handling cases compounded by previous heart attacks and other risk factors such as diabetes and vascular disease.
"My wife and I were incredibly impressed by the clinical expertise, professionalism, personal attention and caring for me and my family," said one patient. The Hospital's cardiac team is committed to excellence on all fronts, and it shows.
Additionally, the Hospital's rate of CABG surgical complications is below both regional and national averages, according to the database, which tracks more the 2.2 million adult cardiac procedures. In fact, the Hospital had a CABG complication rate of zero in categories such as deep sternal infection, perioperative heart attack, coma and vascular complications. Cardiac patients at Virginia Hospital Center also tend to recover faster from surgery, the study shows, with an average postoperative length of stay below regional and national benchmarks (5.0 days for our patients compared to the national average of 7.0 days).
Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery at Virginia Hospital Center also scores impressive points in third-party patient satisfaction polls: more than 90% of patient scores for the Hospital's cardiovascular surgery unit ranked above the 80th percentile, including scores for the following:
- Nurses anticipate patient's needs.
- Nurses explain medications, procedures and routines.
- Procedures are explained in advance.
- Discharge instructions are provided.
- Aftercare planning assistance is provided.
One staff innovation contributing to the program's stellar performance is the role of "nurse clinician". This Master's degree-prepared nurse directs the care of each cardiac patient using standard protocols developed in collaboration with physicians. Created in 1989 by John R. Garrett, MD, Chief of Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery, this practice model has been adopted by many cardiovascular units in the Washington metropolitan area.