VCU news

By Anne Buckley

The VCU Medical Center’s Pauley Heart Center programs have been ranked 44th in the country by U.S. News Media Group’s 2009-2010 publication of America’s Best Hospitals.

The U.S. News health rankings editors say that because heart disease is the No. 1 killer for men and women in the United States, it is important to know what makes for great patient care. The editors cite the reputations of cardiologists and thoracic surgeons in handling complicated and complex cases, nurse staffing, technology, patient safety and cardiac intensive care units among important factors.

“Our community depends on us to provide the safest, most advanced comprehensive cardiac care, whether it is for common heart conditions or extremely complex cases,” said George W. Vetrovec, M.D., chief of cardiology. “This top 50 national recognition affirms the commitment of our entire staff to excellence in patient care, which means providing the highest quality and innovation in cardiovascular treatment.”

The VCU Pauley Heart Center is recognized nationally for its heart failure and heart transplantation programs, and was among the first in the United States to implant the CardioWest temporary Total Artificial Heart, the only total artificial heart approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Pauley Heart Center also is the first in the United States to use a new type of intracardiac ultrasound machine that produces enhanced imaging of the heart, allowing cardiac electrophysiologists to better diagnose and treat atrial fibrillation.

“The Best Hospitals and other similar rankings validate our success and dedication to advance all areas of cardiac care – from the latest diagnostic tools and medical therapies to mechanical assist devices,” said Vigneshwar Kasirajan, M.D., professor and chair of Cardiothoracic Surgery. “All of this and more is making an impact and saving lives.”

A Thomson Reuters study also ranks the VCU Medical Center, through its Pauley Heart Center, as one of the top 100 U.S. hospitals that set the nation’s benchmarks for cardiovascular care.

The VCU Pauley Heart Center comprises the Divisions of Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery and Pediatric Cardiology.

The VCU Medical Center also was noted for excellence by U.S. News in rehabilitation, ranked 20th in the country; kidney disease, ranked 44th; and orthopaedics, ranked 45th in the country.