Only One of Two Long Island Heart Surgeons to Be Recognized

A recently released state report shows that Alan Hartman, MD, chairman of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH) and LIJ Medical Center, was one of two cardiac surgeons on Long Island with outcomes that were significantly better than the statewide average in New York.

The New York State Department of Health (DOH) analyzed the risk-adjusted mortality rates of 39 hospitals and more than 150 surgeons statewide for coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) and/or valve replacement from 2003 to 2005. CABG surgery is a procedure in which a vein or artery from another part of the body is used to create an alternate path for blood to flow to the heart, bypassing the clogged artery. A section of one of the large veins in the leg or an artery in the chest may be used to construct the bypass, or an artery from the arm or abdomen may also be used. More than one bypass may be performed during a single operation to provide several routes for the blood supply to travel, which is believed to improve long-term success of the operation. Valve surgery involves repairing or replacing one or more heart valves. In some cases the procedure is done in combination with coronary bypass surgery.

Based on the report, Dr. Hartman had a significantly lower mortality rate for combined procedures of CABG and valve surgery compared to other surgeons statewide from 2003 to 2005 (1.75 percent). He was one of two cardiac surgeons on Long Island and one of six statewide to earn the DOH’s highly coveted double-star for statistically better outcomes. During that three-year period, Dr. Hartman performed 750 surgeries.

“High survival rates for cardiac surgery at both NSUH and LIJ are due not only to the surgeon’s skill but also achieved because of the comprehensive team approach used at both hospitals to care for cardiac patients,” said Dr. Hartman. “Patient care is coordinated before and during surgery and through the recovery period with support programs to guide the entire process. In addition, through daily morning reports, the team communicates the significant issues and plans for each and every patient, every day, including weekends and holidays.”

The multidisciplinary, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery team includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, the critical care team – physician assistants, nurse practitioners and hospital intensivists -- as well as registered nurses, physical therapists, social workers, dietitians, care coordinators and others.

As chairman, Dr. Hartman oversees one of the state’s busiest cardiothoracic programs. The combined cardiovascular and thoracic surgery department at NSUH and LIJ includes 11 full-time cardiac surgeons who perform more than 1,700 open-heart surgeries annually, as well as four full-time and three attending thoracic surgeons who perform more than 1,500 thoracic surgeries a year.

Contact: Betty Olt/Terry Lynam
(516) 465-2600