 St. Lukes Heart Care
This week's feature: Coronary Bypass Graft
On January 29, Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center aired footage
of an actual coronary bypass graft surgery. This treatment is expected to
restore the 70-year-old man's normal heart function and likely add years to his
life.
More about Coronary Bypass Graft
Coronary bypass surgery is a common treatment used to
remedy coronary artery disease. During surgery, a vein is harvested from either
the patient's leg or chest and used to create a detour around the hardened
arteries. This allows oxygen and nutrients to continue moving into the heart.
Each year, Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center performs over 1,100
bypass surgeries - almost three times more than any other hospital in the
Milwaukee area.
 Research published in the New England Journal of
Medicine suggests that hospitals performing a high number of heart procedures,
like St. Luke's, offer the best outcomes for patients. The study suggests
high-volume hospitals may have:
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More consistent processes for post-operative care
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Better-staffed intensive care units
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Greater resources for dealing with post-operative
complications
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More surgeons who specialize in specific procedures
In addition, the Leapfrog Group - a national patient
advocacy group - agrees with these findings. This group has established volume
standards for selected cardiac procedures. Hospitals performing above the
standard volumes tend to have better overall results.
 Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center is the only hospital in
Wisconsin to meet or exceed all of Leapfrog's volume standards for cardiac care.
Nationally, St. Luke's ranks:
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5th in total number of heart surgeries performed
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3rd in number of angioplasties performed
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7th in number of bypass surgeries performed
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7th in number of valve surgeries performed
So, when you or a loved one need cardiac care, selecting
a program that performs a large volume of heart care procedures is among the
most important criteria to consider.
To find a St. Luke's Heart Care physician,
click here or call 1-888-973-2663.
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