The Cardiac Surgery program at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center has received a three-star rating from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for its performance in patient care and outcomes across three categories. This rating is the highest quality category, positioning the medical center among the top heart surgery centers in the nation.
The program achieved three-star ratings for isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery, and multi-procedural composite measures that include all cardiac procedures such as valves and coronary bypass surgeries.
The STS star rating system is recognized as one of the most comprehensive measures of quality in healthcare, evaluating cardiothoracic surgery programs’ outcomes throughout the United States and Canada. The ratings are based on quality measures for specific procedures conducted by participants in the STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database.
According to STS data, only about 4 to 8 percent of participants receive a three-star rating for isolated AVR surgery, while approximately 20 percent receive this rating for isolated CABG surgery. The latest data analysis covers calendar years from 2022 through 2024.
“This recognition is a direct reflection of the outstanding talent, dedication and teamwork demonstrated by our cardiac surgeons and the entire multidisciplinary care team, from the operating room to the Heart and Vascular Intensive Care Unit and beyond,” said Dr. Behzad Soleimani, director of Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, chair of the Department of Surgery, and professor of surgery at Penn State College of Medicine. “It underscores our standing as a national leader in cardiovascular care and commitment to ensuring exceptional patient outcomes.”
Established in 1989, the STS National Database aims to enhance care and safety for patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery. It includes nearly 6.9 million surgical records from over 3,800 surgeons and anesthesiologists across more than 90% of U.S. hospitals performing heart surgeries. Public reporting through STS allows hospitals to voluntarily share their ratings and performance data to promote transparency and improve quality efforts.
