Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest Earns Top National Rating for Cardiothoracic Surgery

For the first time, Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Cedar Crest has earned the highest possible rating – three stars – from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for excellence in cardiothoracic surgery. This designation recognizes Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute’s commitment to improving care and fostering engagement with vascular patients.

James Wu, MD, Chief, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Chief, Section of Cardiac Surgery, credits the entire team for their part in earning this honor.

“Receiving this prestigious recognition is due to a team effort between the surgeons, advanced practice clinicians, occupational health unit critical care anesthesiologists, nurses involved with our service line, cardiologists and the Heart and Vascular Institute leadership,” he says.

Joseph E. Bavaria, MD, Executive Director, Bruce & Robbi Toll Heart and Vascular Institute at Jefferson Health, and Enterprise Chair of Cardiac Surgery, came to LVHN in February 2024 and says this recognition is well-deserved.

“Their commitment and dedication to providing compassionate and leading-edge cardiothoracic surgery care to our patients is remarkable. I’m excited to be part of a forward-thinking, innovative and deeply caring team.” – Joseph Bavaria, MD

“I’ve been so impressed with the entire team at the Heart and Vascular Institute,” Dr. Bavaria says. “Their commitment and dedication to providing compassionate and leading-edge cardiothoracic surgery care to our patients is remarkable. I’m excited to be part of a forward-thinking, innovative and deeply caring team.”

Participation in the STS ensures the Heart and Vascular Institute continually improves quality and patient safety through data-driven best practices.

“This recognition validates our hard work and reassures patients they’re receiving care from a top-tier U.S. program,” Dr. Wu says.

The STS is the organization that oversees the STS public reporting. It collects, analyzes and shares data from participating physicians across adult cardiac, congenital heart and general thoracic.