Dr. Mark Connolly Ranked Among State's Best Heart Docs in Terms of Mortality Rates

NEWARK, N.J. — Heart surgeon Mark W. Connolly, M.D., chief of cardiothoracic surgery and medical director of the Heart and Vascular Institute at Saint Michael’s Medical Center, has one of the lowest risk-adjusted patient mortality rates in the state, according to Cardiac Surgery in New Jersey 2004, a consumer report recently released by the N.J. Department of Health and Senior Services.

Dr. Connolly’s risk-adjusted patient mortality rate from 2003 to 2004 was 0.86 percent, well below the statewide average of 2.16 percent. One of the state’s most prolific heart surgeons, Dr. Connolly performed more than 900 open-heart procedures during this period at Saint Michael’s Medical Center, the flagship hospital of Cathedral Healthcare System.

“We are pleased — but not at all surprised — by the impressive statistics revealed in the report,” said Donald M. Daniels, chairman of Cathedral Healthcare System. “A world-renowned heart surgeon, Dr. Connolly continues to enhance Saint Michael’s Medical Center’s reputation as the regional leader in cardiac care. Our patients have benefited greatly from his expertise and pioneering efforts.”

Associated with one of the state’s premier teaching and research institutions, Dr. Connolly is frequently invited to speak at industry conferences and to share his expertise with physicians and surgeons from around the nation. In 2006, the American Heart Association honored Dr. Connolly as one of its Physicians of the Year.

Cardiac Surgery in New Jersey 2004, which summarizes the results of an analysis of mortality among patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery in New Jersey hospitals in 2004, is accessible online via the N.J. Department of Health and Senior Services web site, www.state.nj.us/health.

Saint Michael’s Medical Center, a 337-bed regional primary-care, teaching, and research center in the heart of Newark’s main business and educational district, is an affiliate of Cathedral Healthcare System, a nonprofit, multi-hospital system that also comprises Saint James Hospital and Columbus Hospital in Newark. All are affiliated with Catholic Health and Human Services Corporation and support the mission of the Archdiocese of Newark. More information is available online at www.cathedralhealth.org.