Quality Reports - Herma Heart Center
Surgical survival - Risk-adjusted
Why we measure it - Heart surgeries range in complexity from straight-forward procedures to complicated operations, and patients who are more seriously ill are at higher risk of complications. In addition, centers that have high survival rates for the most complex cases generally have high survival rates for all types of heart procedures.
What this means - Herma Heart Center has higher survival rates for patients undergoing heart surgery than the national average in all RACHS-1 categories. RACHS stands for risk adjustment for congenital heart surgery and is a system used to classify heart procedures into different groups. Group 1 represents the most straightforward procedures and Groups 5-6 represent the most complicated.
About the data - RACHS-1 categories are based on the Aristotle Basic Complexity Level July 2004-June 2006 for all heart procedures.
Related dimensions of care:
 
What we're doing to provide the best care:
- We initiated a home monitoring program in 2000 that dramatically improved infant survival rates after patients were discharged home following complex heart disease surgery. We train parents to measure fluid intake, weight gain or loss and oxygen levels daily. Clear guidelines allow parents to provide objective data to clinical staff, which lead to earlier interventions if problems arise.
- We offer a special developmental follow-up clinic for children with serious heart conditions to identify any problems as early as possible and provide support as necessary.
- Through our Fetal Concerns Program, we can diagnose most heart defects in unborn babies and offer counseling and coordinated medical care for mother and baby. This allows families and staff time to anticipate needs and plan care, which improves the care provided at birth.
- The Froedtert & Medical College Birth Center is located inside Children's Hospital to reduce the time it takes to get a fragile newborn into surgery. Research shows outcomes improve when the delivery room and operating room are close together. This also offers families the added convenience of having mother and baby hospitalized near one another.
Patients/Families - If your child is being treated for a heart defect:
- Be an advocate for your child. Participate in daily bedside clinical discussions, and provide any information about your child that may be helpful to staff.
- Follow medical instructions fully and carefully before and after surgery.
- Ask questions if you don't understand the plan of care or if you are not sure how to care for your child at home.
- Attend any and all follow-up appointments.
If you have questions about this data or information, e-mail us or call (414) 266-6726.
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