New state reports also recognize performance of North Shore-LIJ surgeons Alan Hartman and Robert Palazzo, cardiologist Lawrence Ong

NEW HYDE PARK, NY – LIJ Medical Center ranks as the best hospital in New York for heart bypass surgery, according to the latest three-year report (encompassing data from 2004-06) released by the New York State Department of Health (DOH). LIJ was among only two hospitals in New York State – and the only one in the Queens/Long Island market – that had success rates that were significantly better from a statistical standpoint than the statewide average, earning DOH’s prestigious double-star ranking; the hospital had a risk-adjusted mortality rate of one percent for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery during that three-year period, the lowest in the state.

Two cardiothoracic surgeons, Robert Palazzo, MD, of LIJ Medical Center, and Alan Hartman, MD, chairman of cardiothoracic surgery at North Shore University Hospital and LIJ, were among only 11 open-heart surgeons statewide – out of about 145 cardiac surgeons in 39 hospitals statewide – who had outcomes that were significantly better, according to the state’s Adult Cardiac Surgery Report.

A separate DOH report released at the same time on angioplasty showed that North Shore University Hospital (NSUH) performed more emergency angioplasty cases than any other program in New York State (1,122 cases) from 2004-06 and had outcomes that were significantly better than the statewide average (a mortality rate of 1.83 percent) – the only hospital in the state that had a significantly better success rate in emergency cases. In addition, the data showed that among the more than 300 cardiologists performing angioplasty at 51 hospitals throughout New York State, only three -- including Lawrence Ong, director of interventional cardiology at North Shore University Hospital – had superior outcomes. Angioplasty is a procedure used to clear blocked heart arteries and increase blood flow.

“The results of the state’s latest reports help eliminate the guesswork for heart patients, who are often confounded by a multitude of advertising claims and studies about who can best meet their needs,” said Stanley Katz, MD, senior vice president of cardiovascular services for the North Shore-LIJ Health System and chairman of cardiology at NSUH. “These Department of Health reports, based on an exhausting analysis of 58,614 open-heart surgery cases and 167,752 angioplasty procedures, clearly show that patients can count on getting superior cardiac care, regardless of whether they go to LIJ Medical Center or North Shore University Hospital.”

“While investments in new technology have certainly strengthened the ability of North Shore-LIJ to deliver the best cardiac care, it’s the team approach that continues to make the difference in patient care and successful outcomes,” added Dr. Hartman.

LIJ’s top ranking for bypass surgery follows its number-one placement in the state in last year’s DOH report.

The DOH’s full reports are available at: http://www.nyhealth.gov/statistics/diseases/cardiovascular/. Scroll down to Adult Cardiac Surgery or Percutaneous Coronary Interventions.

Media Contact: Terry Lynam
516-465-2640
tlynam@nshs.edu