HOUSTON (November 01, 2011)

Becker's Hospital Review has named Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center to its prestigious list of "65 Hospitals with Great Cardiology Programs," which recognizes some of the most distinguished hospitals for heart care in the United States. The Becker's Hospital Review selected the hospitals based on clinical accolades, quality care and contributions to the field of cardiology. The hospitals listed have been recognized for excellence in cardiology by reputable healthcare rating resources, including U.S. News & World Report, Thomson Reuters, the American Heart Association, the American Stroke Association and the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

"The innovations in cardiology at this hospital reflect the outstanding ability of our physicians to take on challenging cases and provide innovative care with an unwavering expectation of the best possible clinical outcomes," said Chief Executive Officer for the Heart & Vascular Institute, Paul O'Sullivan. "The high-quality care provided by our affiliated physicians, nurses and clinical staff has earned the Heart & Vascular Institute at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center this distinction as one of only 65 hospitals with exemplary cardiology programs."

The Heart & Vascular Institute has had many "firsts" in cardiac care. It was the first in the world to perform robotic-assisted reconstructive aortic surgery and to show that heart disease can be reversed. The Institute was also the first in Texas to perform a cardiac catheterization, give patients clot-dissolving drugs to stop heart attacks and offer cardiac risk screening designed specifically for women. In addition, physicians at the Institute were the first in Houston to perform minimally invasive surgery to correct atrial fibrillation. The Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center continues to build upon its strong track record of innovation leading to outstanding outcomes and is poised to become one of the nation's leading heart and vascular hospitals.