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The Society of Thoracic Surgeons has awarded JHAH’s adult heart surgery program a 3-star rating, the highest possible.
The adult heart surgery program at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare (JHAH) has been awarded elite status by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and ranked in the top 5% of programs globally.
The STS recently awarded JHAH a 3-star rating for adult heart surgery, the highest possible, meaning patients can be assured of receiving world-class care from a global leader in the field.
The STS, based in Chicago, United States, is the largest cardiothoracic surgery organization in the world, with nearly 8,000 members in more than 100 countries. The STS’s 3-star rating is based on data from thousands of hospitals globally and is only awarded to programs that consistently deliver outstanding surgical outcomes.
For the year ending December 2024, JHAH’s adult heart surgery program received an overall STS performance score of 96.8%, placing it in the top 5% of participating centers worldwide.
Dr. Khaled Algarni, Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery at JHAH, said: “Choosing where to have heart surgery is one of the most important and difficult decisions that anybody can make. Not all heart surgery programs are equal, which is why the STS star rating system is key to making an informed choice. JHAH’s 3-star rating means that any patient considering heart surgery with us can be confident they are selecting an elite program that ranks among the best in the world.”
Our heart surgery patients are in excellent hands. We have exceptionally low rates of mortality and complications, which means the risk of serious problems after surgery is incredibly low. Our patients also recover faster and better: They typically enjoy shorter hospital stays and fewer readmissions.
At JHAH, we combine advanced technology, top medical talent, and a deep commitment to patient-centered care to ensure that treatment for each patient is tailored to their specific needs. Our cardiac specialists — from surgeons and anesthesiologists to nurses, perfusionists, and rehabilitation staff — work tirelessly to ensure that each patient achieves the best possible outcome.
The STS star ratings are based on the society’s Adult Cardiac Surgery Database, the largest database of its kind, which contains nearly 8.5 million medical records. Only a few healthcare institutions in the Middle East participate in the database.
The star ratings are derived from data on operative mortality, major complications, readmission rates, length of stay, resource utilization, and the use of evidence-based perioperative medications. A heart surgery program is only awarded an overall 3-star rating if its total score significantly exceeds the average of all participating programs.
JHAH is the only participating hospital in the Eastern Province, and one of only a few participating hospitals in the Middle East, to receive a 3-star STS rating for adult heart surgery.
Dr. Algarni said: “Achieving the 3-star STS rating affirms JHAH’s commitment to patient safety, superior outcomes, and transparent, data-driven quality improvement. It also reflects the dedication of our entire cardiac surgery team, the support of hospital leadership, and the collaborative spirit across clinical departments that puts our patients at the center of everything we do.”
He added: “JHAH is an institution where excellence is not just the goal, but the standard. For patients and families, the 3-star rating from the STS is more than just a number — it’s a guarantee of elite care of the highest quality and utmost safety. It’s crucial that patients know they’re in good hands and feel safe because it gives them peace of mind.”
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