Yale New Haven Hospital’s Heart and Vascular Center in New Haven has earned the highest national rating, three out of three stars, from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the American College of Cardiology and the Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry for its transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) program.  It is the only hospital in Connecticut and one of two facilities in New England to receive the designation.

The registry evaluates hospitals using clinical data submitted over three years. A three-star rating represents performance significantly above the national average, and the center earned it through consistent performance across all 30-day composite metrics.

Dr. John Forrest, director of the center’s Structural Heart Disease Program and professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine, said: “This national recognition reflects the dedication, collaboration and expertise of our entire structural heart team. We are proud to provide advanced, minimally invasive therapies that help patients achieve excellent outcomes and return more quickly to the activities they enjoy.”

TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure that replaces the aortic valve in patients with aortic stenosis, a condition where the valve is narrowed and does not fully open. A team of interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons inserts the replacement valve on a catheter through a small incision.

“TAVR has transformed the treatment of aortic stenosis, offering many patients a safe and effective alternative to open-heart surgery,” said Francine LoRusso, senior vice president of heart and vascular services, “This recognition demonstrates our commitment to delivering the highest-quality cardiovascular care using the latest evidence-based approaches.”

The rating builds on a 2024 milestone: Yale New Haven Health became the first health system in Connecticut to receive Transcatheter Valve Certification from the American College of Cardiology.