Winthrop's cardiac care program, widely known for the skill of its interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons, excellent patient care and exceedingly low mortality rates, once again has received high marks from New York State's Department of Health (DOH).

In its latest (2001-2003 cycle) review of angioplasties -- also known as Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (PCI) -- the DOH reported that Winthrop's Interventional Cardiology Program had the lowest risk-adjusted mortality rate (0.38%) on Long Island for all emergency and non-emergency angioplasties -- a rate significantly below the statewide average.

The two most common procedures performed on coronary artery disease patients are PCI and coronary artery bypass surgery, for which Winthrop also scored the highest rating of any downstate New York hospital in the State's latest (2003) report.

What is PCI?

During a PCI procedure, a catheter is threaded up to the site of a blockage in a coronary artery. In conjunction with the catheter, devices such as balloons and stents are used to reopen the blockage and restore normal bloodflow to the heart. Winthrop's interventional cardiologists performed more than 4,500 PCIs between 2001 and 2003.

"We are very proud of the consistently excellent results we've had over the past few years," said Kevin Marzo, MD, Chief of Winthrop's Division of Cardiology and Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory. "Demand for our services has increased, and our new cardiac catheterization lab will help us remain at the forefront of cardiology and blood vessel care throughout the region."

To meet the growing needs of Long Islanders with heart disease and blood vessel disorders, Winthrop recently opened its fourth cardiac catheterization laboratory in the Miller Interventional Cardiology Pavilion. An unusual resource, this state-of-the-art facility permits both cardiac and vascular procedures to be performed in the same space.

"Most hospital cath labs are used only for heart procedures like angioplasties," explained Dr. Marzo. "Our new lab gives us extraordinary flexibility and lets us maximize technology to benefit even more patients."

The new laboratory features one of the most advanced imaging systems, which produces incredible resolution of real-time images. They allow cardiologists to see tiny details more clearly, permitting them to perform these delicate procedures more safely and skillfully than ever.

Winthrop's interventional cardiologists, who recently earned the HealthGrades(R)2005 Cardiac Care Excellence Award, have established a solid reputation for expertise in evaluating the extent of heart damage and for using innovative, non-surgical methods to keep arteries free of obstructive plaque.

"We are very proud of our cardiac care team's skill, experience and talent," said Daniel P. Walsh, Winthrop's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our highest priority is providing superior quality care in a welcoming and world-class environment, and the State's recognition validates our efforts."

For more information about Winthrop's cardiac care and vascular services, call the Institute for Heart Care, 1-800-443-2788 or visit www.winthrop.org.