Methodist Hospital Texsan is the first hospital in San Antonio to receive a 3-star rating by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). “To achieve such a rating that acknowledges the exceptional clinical outcomes is truly a team effort. It requires discipline and focus, but most importantly, patient-centric care,” said Scott Rausch, Chief Executive Officer. STS publicly reports participant results for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), also known as open heart surgery which treats coronary artery disease. CABG takes a blood vessel from another part of the body (usually the chest, leg or arm) and attaches it to the coronary artery above and below the narrowed area or blockage.
As a national leader in healthcare transparency and accountability, the STS provides the public with the quality of surgical outcomes. The STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database (ACSD) contains data on surgical procedures submitted by participants. The majority of ACSD participants receive a 2-star rating, which is considered average. In comparison, far fewer participants receive 1-star or 3-star ratings. To achieve a 3-star rating, the score and range must be higher than the STS average.
Methodist Hospital Texsan excels in advanced cardiovascular services, specifically in CABG. Texsan was an early adopter of the Heart Team Consult that is required for all non-emergent cardiovascular surgeries. The comprehensive needs of every patient that comes through the door are identified. Patients undergo several exams prior to surgery to ensure they have checked all areas in case of blockage and pulmonary function problems. These exams create an overall STS score and include: the full risk stratification, the 5-meter walk test, pulmonary function testing, the frailty index, ankle-brachial index Doppler and carotid Doppler.
Intensivists, or critical care physicians, are also required at the bed side of each patient. They are responsible for creating a plan of care for the patient post-surgery. “We have designed a functioning system that has allowed this hospital to achieve such honor,” said Christine Longtin CVRN, Cardiovascular Coordinator. With this system in place, outcomes have greatly improved such as increased patient satisfaction, reduced length of stay in the hospital and decreased post-operation complications.
Texsan is well-known for being an exceptional heart hospital by the community and surrounding areas. The hospital aims to ensure that every patient receives the highest level of care possible. “It’s gratifying to know that the many years of hard work has allowed us to achieve this honor. It’s important to recognize the countless of people who have maintained the standard of excellence Texsan has always had,” said Gary Maszak, MD, Chief of Staff and Cardiac Cath Lab Director. The results are free to the public.