#United States #Fountain Valley #MemorialCare #Cardiac Surgery #Orange Coast

MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute: Setting a Standard in Cardiac Care

In an impressive achievement, the MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute situated at the Orange Coast Medical Center has distinguished itself as the sole facility in Orange County to secure the highest ratings from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). The Institute has received the coveted three-star ratings for both isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and multi-procedural cases—a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care and outcomes.

This recognition places MemorialCare's Heart & Vascular Institute among the elite cardiothoracic surgery programs nationwide. The organization has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance, earning these honors for six consecutive reporting cycles for CABG, while achieving them for multi-procedural cases for the second time. Such feats emphasize the hospital’s dedication to delivering high-quality, safe cardiac care.

Dr. Tuan Lam, a cardiothoracic surgeon at MemorialCare, highlighted that maintaining these ratings over multiple years is not merely a matter of luck; it requires discipline, a proactive approach, and a commitment to continuous improvement. He stated, "These ratings prove that elite outcomes are not reserved for the biggest hospitals; rather, they are a product of the dedication shown by our talented teams."

The STS star rating system is known as a stringent measure of quality within health care, evaluating cardiothoracic surgery outcomes across the United States and Canada based on various critical indicators, including patient safety and adherence to established best practices. The latest analysis, covering a period from July 2022 to June 2025, underscores the remarkable outcomes achieved by the Orange Coast Medical Center.

CABG, which is crucial for improving blood flow to the heart by establishing new pathways around blocked arteries, is among the most prevalent treatments for severe coronary artery disease. Notably, only about 20% of participating centers in the STS database manage to achieve a three-star rating in this pivotal category—and even fewer manage this level of excellence consistently.

Commenting on the hospital's success, Dr. Lam emphasized the importance of deeply understanding patients' needs and proactively anticipating complications. "Our objective is to excel continually, pushing beyond 'good enough' and maintaining an uncompromising standard that ensures patient safety and satisfaction."

The achievements of MemorialCare extend beyond CABG, as the STS Multi-Procedural category also recognizes programs excelling in complex surgeries that involve several procedures at once, demonstrating the Institute’s capabilities in handling higher-risk cases. This level of expertise requires not only meticulous planning but also the execution of protective protocols to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Dr. Rachel Hargrove, another cardiothoracic surgeon, stated, "These three-star ratings reflect our team’s commitment to quality care for every patient who relies on us. Our continuous efforts for performance improvement mean that every patient receives the best possible treatment outcomes."

One contributing factor to the Institute's remarkable success is its adoption of cutting-edge techniques, such as the use of arterial conduits which offer better long-term results compared to traditional vein grafts. These methods enhance patient outcomes by maintaining vein integrity and decreasing complications that could necessitate additional surgeries in the future.

Moreover, the protocols established by the Institute aim to facilitate patient recovery, minimizing risks that often follow surgery. “One of our significant concerns is the use of intubation, which we ensure is utilized only when absolutely necessary. We are highly focused on rapid extubation; our rates substantially surpass national averages,” Dr. Lam noted.

Through its links to the STS National Database—which contains over ten million surgical records—MemorialCare is part of a substantial initiative aimed at quality improvement within the cardiothoracic surgery sector. The database captures the efforts of 6,000 participating healthcare professionals and encompasses over 95% of adult cardiac and congenital heart surgeries performed across the United States.

The Orange Coast Medical Center, as part of MemorialCare, represents a beacon of hope and a source of high-quality healthcare services in the community, recognized for its Centers of Excellence including specialized institutes for cancer, cardiac and vascular disease, and more. With a dedication to both innovation and compassionate care, Orange Coast continues to strive towards excellence, reinforcing its status as a top choice for cardiac care in Orange County.

For further details, visit memorialcare.org/OrangeCoast and learn about the transformative impact of quality cardiac care.

About the Society of Thoracic Surgeons: Founded in 1964, STS is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of care delivered by cardiothoracic surgeons worldwide. With a focus on patient outcomes, education, and innovative research, their mission is aligned with fostering the highest standards of surgical excellence.