Open Heart Surgery Guide Available

November 30, 2007

Possible open heart surgery patients should consider high volume facilities for that life-preserving or life-threatening service because after-surgical mortality rates are often lower at hospitals doing higher volumes. That is the theme of the periodic consumer guide on open heart surgery in Michigan released by The Economic Alliance for Michigan, the statewide business-labor coalition.

The guide, on the Web at www.eamonline.org/heart, lists the number for each of the last three years of open heart surgeries at each Michigan hospital providing this service. “If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with heart disease and open heart surgery is a possibility, this guide will help you, in consultation with your doctor, make a more informed decision on where the surgery should be performed,” the Alliance news release declared.

The guide indicates that the statewide volume in 2006 was more than 15% less than the peak in 2000 and is the lowest since 1991. The reduction is due to the use of alternative treatments such as new drugs and angioplasty and healthier lifestyles.

“There are 30 adult open heart surgery programs operational in Michigan, broadly distributed throughout the state, and a new program in Jackson anticipates starting early next year. There are nearby programs in every population center, often multiple ones. Access to open heart surgery program is not a problem for Michigan residents,” said Sharon Miller, Economic Alliance of Michigan Co-Chair.

The SEIU Michigan State Council has been a long time sponsor of the Heart Information Guide.