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Ochsner Children's heart program surgical results among the best in the nation
NEW ORLEANS – Ochsner Children’s congenital heart program has once again achieved surgical results that rank among the best nationally, according to the most recent data analysis from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). This distinction, based on analysis of results over a four-year period, places Ochsner’s outcomes within the top 10% of programs nationally. Historically known as the three-star rating, this distinction signifies that the program’s outcomes are statistically shown to be exceptional. The data also shows that Ochsner significantly exceeds national norms, especially in the most complex surgery categories.
National recognition for excellence in pediatric cardiac care
The STS Congenital Heart Surgery Database (CHSD) is the leading benchmark for quality in cardiothoracic surgery. A synopsis of the results of all reporting programs in the country is publicly available at: Congenital Heart Surgery Public Reporting | STS Public Reporting and are a good starting point for families and professionals choosing programs for congenital heart care. These consistently excellent results are a testament to the team's extraordinary expertise, precision, and dedication to advancing care in pediatric cardiothoracic surgery.
“This is a monumental milestone for our team and for the state of Louisiana,” said Benjamin Peeler, MD, chief of pediatric cardiac surgery and co-director of the Congenital Heart Center for Ochsner Children's. “It confirms that when children undergo heart surgery at Ochsner Children’s, their outcomes consistently rank among the best in the nation. This accomplishment demonstrates the dedication of every single person who cares for our congenital heart patients.”
Understanding congenital heart defects
Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common type of birth defects, affecting approximately 1% of births in the United States each year. CHD represents a wide spectrum of conditions, ranging from simple issues requiring no treatment to complex problems necessitating multiple surgeries or lifelong care. Advances in medical technology and surgical techniques have dramatically improved outcomes, allowing many children with CHDs to lead full and active lives. Early detection through prenatal screenings and neonatal evaluations is critical, as it leads to timely interventions, enhances survival rates, and significantly improves the quality of life for affected children.
Ochsner Children's Congenital Heart program
At Ochsner Children’s, families benefit from the expertise of a multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing expert, compassionate care for children with congenital heart conditions with innovative treatments to deliver tailored care plans for each patient, including:
Comprehensive services, including prenatal diagnostics and advanced pediatric cardiology.
Expertise in managing even the most complex cases with a personalized approach.
State-of-the-art facilities designed to support innovative treatments.
A commitment to improving not just survival rates but also quality of life.
A collaborative team environment ensuring the best outcomes for patients.
“Achieving this elite designation from the STS underscores our team’s steadfast dedication to providing the best possible outcomes for our patients and upholding the highest standards of excellence,” said Vincent "Butch" Adolph, MD, chief medical officer, Ochsner Children's. “We are incredibly proud of this recognition, which validates our position as a trusted leader in pediatric heart care for families across the Gulf South.”
Learn more about congenital heart care at Ochsner Children’s by visiting Congenital Heart Care | Ochsner Health.
Media contact: pr@ochsner.org
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About Ochsner Children’s
Ochsner Children’s is part of Ochsner Health, the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in Louisiana, Mississippi and across the Gulf South, delivering expert care at its 47 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers. Ochsner Children’s has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as the No. 1 hospital for kids in Louisiana for five consecutive years. For the ninth year in a row, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Ochsner Children's Hospital among the Top 50 Children’s Hospitals in the country. In 2025, Ochsner Children's Hospital ranked in cardiology and heart surgery and gastroenterology and GI surgery by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, Ochsner Children’s Hospital is honored to be recognized by Newsweek as America’s Best Children’s Hospitals ranking in pulmonology and neonatology.