Sequoia Hospital Announces Best Aortic Valve Replacement Operative Mortality, 2005-2009

Achieving 100th Percentile in the STS National Database for 6 Years Running

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., June 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sequoia Hospital announced today receiving the best percentile for five-year performance in Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR) Operative Mortality from 2005-2009 according to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) National Database Report. Out of 955 participating sites, Sequoia Hospital's Heart and Vascular Institute achieved the most favorable performance in the STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database national report. This is the fourth semi-annual report in a row Sequoia has achieved the 100th percentile among STS participants in Operative Mortality for Aortic Valve Replacement - 90 percent of hospitals performing adult cardiac surgery participate in the STS National Database.

"Sequoia Hospital's Heart and Vascular Institute is one of the predominate referral centers for the most complex cardiac cases in California because of our outstanding clinical outcomes," said Glenna Vaskelis, President and CEO. "Our cardiac surgeons have national reputations for superior results. When combined with our experienced nurses and staff, our patients and community benefit."

"Heart operations are inherently dangerous and reserved for those who truly require them. These results are the product of an outstanding team, and we take tremendous pride in this achievement," said Dr. Luis Castro of Pacific Coast Cardiac and Vascular Surgeons. "We have better survival results than most renowned heart centers around the country and world, and we are able to achieve these results using minimally invasive techniques in the vast majority of patients."

About Sequoia Hospital
Sequoia Hospital is an accredited, not-for-profit community hospital providing innovative and exceptional healthcare to Bay Area residents. With a nationwide reputation for pioneering advanced cardiac care, Sequoia's Heart and Vascular Institute is designated as a 2009 Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of California. To learn more, please visit: www.SequoiaHospital.org.

SOURCE Sequoia Hospital