Message from the Heart Center President

I am proud that the Main Line Health Heart Center has been a participant, and often a leader, in the advancement of new therapies through our extensive basic and clinical cardiovascular research programs. Our heart specialists are recognized for delivering state-of-the-art care both because of this research and the Heart Center’s commitment to medical education for physicians, nurses, and other members of their team. These academic endeavors, coupled with a stellar track record of outcomes, are what have earned the Heart Center the respect of its peers and recognition from national rating groups. Our most recent recognitions include:

• 2008 HealthGrades Cardiac Care Excellence Award™
• 2007 Thomson (Solucient) 100 Top Hospitals®: Cardiovascular Benchmarks for Success

For the third consecutive year, HealthGrades has recognized the extraordinary care in heart surgery, cardiac medicine (treatment of heart attack, heart failure and atrial fibrillation) and coronary interventional procedures provided by Heart Center cardiologists and other medical staff. We also proudly report that the Heart Center is the only cardiovascular program in the Philadelphia region to receive the 2007 award from Thomson. Thomson Healthcare examines the performance of nearly 1,000 U.S. hospitals by analyzing their outcomes in eight key performance areas including mortality, complications, core measures, volume, length of stay, and cost.

The Cardiac Surgery in Pennsylvania 2005 Report issued by the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) in June of 2007 cited Main Line Health Heart Center at Lankenau Hospital’s performance as “exceptional.” This was based upon having performed more heart bypasses than any other center in Southeastern Pennsylvania and being the only hospital in the state to have lower than expected death rates for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in both in-hospital and 30 days after discharge. This achievement was reported in regional and national media, including the New York Times.

In addition, notable elements of the Heart Center's endeavors include:

• Sophisticated technology for accurate diagnosis
• Innovative surgical and non-surgical techniques
• Commitment to education
• Enhancing treatment and care through clinical trials and basic research

Philanthropic support is central to our efforts. The W. W. Smith Charitable Trust recently made a $1.5 million commitment to establish the William Wikoff Smith Chair in Cardiovascular Research at Main Line Health. The establishment of the W. W. Smith Chair in Cardiovascular Research places Main Line Health among the ranks of leading academic medical institutions and ensures that its cutting-edge work will continue to have a critical impact on the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

In addition, our 2007 Gala and Pro-Am Golf Tournament generated over $500,000 through the generosity of grateful patients, medical colleagues, friends, and industry partners. I invite you to join our many charitable friends in advancing the Heart Center's multi-faceted mission. To lend your support to our center's efforts, visit our page on Giving Opportunities.

Welcome!  Please explore our Web site and then contact us if you have additional questions.

Peter R. Kowey, MD
President, Main Line Health Heart Center
Main Line Health System, Chief of Cardiovascular Diseases