Good Samaritan University Hospital Earns Four Prestigious Three-Star Ratings from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons for Cardiac Surgery Excellence

The St. Francis Heart Center at Good Samaritan University Hospital has earned the highest possible quality rating—Three Stars—from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) in four distinct categories of adult cardiac surgery, recognizing exceptional clinical outcomes, patient safety and quality of care. These prestigious ratings place Good Samaritan University Hospital among an elite group of heart programs in the United States and Canada, with only 6% to 10% of participating programs achieving the highest designation in any given category.

Each Three-Star rating reflects outstanding outcomes in complex areas of heart surgery and demonstrates that patients can receive nationally recognized cardiovascular care close to home.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

This rating recognizes excellence in bypass surgery, a procedure performed to restore blood flow to the heart when coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked. For patients, this means access to a program with outstanding outcomes for one of the most common and life-saving heart operations.

Mitral Valve Repair and Replacement (MVRR)

The mitral valve regulates blood flow between the heart's chambers. A Three-Star rating in this category recognizes exceptional expertise in repairing or replacing diseased mitral valves, helping patients experience improved heart function, reduced symptoms and better long-term quality of life whenever possible through advanced valve repair techniques.

Aortic Valve Replacement with Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (AVR + CABG)

Patients often require treatment for both blocked coronary arteries and diseased aortic valves during a single operation. This recognition reflects the team's ability to safely perform these highly complex combined procedures while achieving outstanding clinical outcomes.

Multi-Procedural Cardiac Surgery

This designation recognizes excellence in caring for patients requiring multiple complex cardiac procedures during a single operation. These cases often involve advanced heart disease and require exceptional surgical expertise, coordinated multidisciplinary care and meticulous perioperative management.

“Receiving the STS Three-Star Rating is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the exceptional skill, dedication and collaboration of our entire cardiac care team,” said Justin Lundbye, MD, president of Good Samaritan University Hospital. “This recognition underscores our commitment to delivering advanced, high-quality heart care close to home and ensuring our patients achieve the best possible outcomes.”

The STS Three-Star Rating signifies exceptional performance, with strong emphasis on:

• Low mortality rates following surgery
• Reduced risk of complications and infections
• Coordinated care throughout the surgical journey
• Continuous quality improvement and innovation

These STS recognitions complement Good Samaritan University Hospital's growing national reputation for cardiovascular excellence. In addition to earning four STS Three-Star ratings, the hospital has also been recognized by Healthgrades as one of America's 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery and by U.S. News & World Report as High Performing in Heart Surgery and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). Together, these independent recognitions affirm the hospital's commitment to exceptional quality, outstanding patient outcomes and continuous innovation in cardiovascular care, giving Long Island residents access to nationally recognized heart care without leaving their community.

As heart disease continues to be a leading health concern, Good Samaritan University Hospital remains committed to advancing innovation, improving outcomes and enhancing the patient experience for the communities it proudly serves.

For a referral to a St. Francis Heart Center physician, visit www.chsli.org or call (866) MY-LI-DOC.