The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized Virtua Marlton and Virtua Mount Holly hospitals for their demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients who receive diagnostic catheterizations and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures in the hospitals’ cardiac catheterization labs. Percutaneous coronary intervention, also known as coronary angioplasty, is a non-surgical procedure that uses a balloon to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries to relieve symptoms of heart disease or reduce heart damage during or after a heart attack.

This accreditation is based on a rigorous onsite evaluation of the medical staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients while ensuring high standards of care and efficient processes within the catheterization labs.

“Virtua Marlton and Virtua Mount Holly hospitals have demonstrated their commitment to providing Burlington County and southern New Jersey with excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award these two Virtua hospitals with Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation with PCI.”

“The cardiac catheterization staff at Virtua Marlton and Virtua Mount Holly hospitals are extremely proud of this accreditation and accomplishment. We are diligent in the care of our patients, always following established protocols to achieve the best possible outcomes,” said Rhondalyn C. McLean, MD, assistant vice president of clinical operations for cardiovascular services and director of tertiary cardiovascular services. “Receiving this prestigious distinction at Virtua allows more patients in southern New Jersey to receive lifesaving cardiac care in their communities and closer to home.”

Not all hospitals that offer cardiac catheterization qualify for ACC accreditation. To receive Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation with PCI, hospitals must follow a multi-faceted clinical process that involves completing a gap analysis, examining variances of care, developing an action plan, undergoing a rigorous onsite review, and monitoring for sustained success. Improved methods and strategies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the care of catheterization lab patients.

“Virtua is proud to be among a notable group of health care facilities that have met or exceeded an array of stringent criteria and have an organized team of doctors, nurses, clinicians, and administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts ensuring quality and safety, which leads to improved patient outcomes,” said Kintur Sanghvi, MD, FACC, FSCAI, chief of intervention cardiology and director of cardiovascular innovation.

The ACC offers hospitals like Virtua Marlton and Virtua Mount Holly access to a comprehensive suite of cardiac accreditation services designed to optimize patient outcomes and improve hospital financial performance. These services are focused on all aspects of cardiac care, including the catheterization lab.

About the American College of Cardiology
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is the global leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. As the preeminent source of professional medical education for the entire cardiovascular care team since 1949, ACC credentials cardiovascular professionals in over 140 countries who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards, and guidelines. Through its world-renowned family of JACC Journals, NCDR registries, ACC Accreditation Services, global network of Member Sections, CardioSmart patient resources and more, the College is committed to ensuring a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at acc.org or follow @ACCinTouch.