When it comes to heart surgery, expertise and trust are everything. Fortunately, Illinois is home to many of the country’s top hospitals offering cutting-edge cardiac care. From open-heart surgery and valve repair to advanced transplants and robotic procedures, the heart surgery programs across the state are equipped with skilled teams and leading-edge technology.
Whether you live in Chicago, Springfield, or the suburbs, here’s a carefully curated list of the Top 19 Best Heart Surgery Hospitals in Illinois to help you make informed healthcare decisions.
1. Northwestern Memorial Hospital – Chicago
Consistently ranked as the best hospital in Illinois by U.S. News & World Report, Northwestern’s Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute is internationally renowned. It offers advanced surgical treatments like heart valve repair, CABG (coronary artery bypass grafting), heart failure surgery, and transplants. The center also leads in research and minimally invasive techniques.
2. University of Chicago Medical Center – Chicago
The UChicago Medicine Heart and Vascular Center specializes in high-risk and complex heart surgeries. It is known for pioneering work in heart transplant and mechanical circulatory support, such as ventricular assist devices (VADs). The hospital is also a leader in robotic-assisted and minimally invasive heart procedures.
3. NorthShore University HealthSystem – Evanston Hospital
NorthShore’s Cardiovascular Institute delivers exceptional cardiac surgery programs, including minimally invasive valve repair, CABG, and arrhythmia surgery. Their outcomes are among the best in the state, and they emphasize integrated recovery programs for faster healing.
4. Rush University Medical Center – Chicago
Rush’s Heart Center is known for its personalized, patient-first approach. With a full range of heart surgeries and a reputation for clinical excellence, Rush consistently scores highly in surgical safety and outcomes. It’s also at the forefront of robotic and hybrid cardiac surgeries.
5. Advocate Christ Medical Center – Oak Lawn
As a major referral center in the Midwest, Advocate Christ is home to a high-volume heart surgery program. It performs a large number of complex open-heart surgeries, heart transplants, and structural heart procedures with excellent survival rates.
6. OSF Saint Francis Medical Center – Peoria
Part of the OSF HealthCare system, this hospital houses the Illinois Heart and Vascular Institute, a regional leader in cardiac surgery. Known for its success in bypass surgery and valve replacements, OSF also integrates telehealth and advanced diagnostics into its cardiac care.
7. Carle Foundation Hospital – Urbana
Carle’s Heart and Vascular Institute offers nationally recognized heart surgery care. From CABG to transcatheter valve therapies, their team of experienced surgeons delivers exceptional care with a focus on innovation and outcomes-based treatment.
8. Edward Hospital – Naperville
Edward Hospital has become a top choice in the western suburbs for advanced heart surgery. Its Heart Hospital performs a full range of surgeries, including CABG, valve repair, and hybrid minimally invasive procedures, and is known for high patient satisfaction.
9. Advocate Lutheran General Hospital – Park Ridge
Advocate Lutheran is a high-performing hospital for heart surgery, especially coronary interventions and valve replacement. The hospital’s cardiac team works in collaboration with leading electrophysiologists and imaging specialists for holistic care.
10. Northwest Community Hospital – Arlington Heights
NCH offers a comprehensive heart surgery program with strong outcomes in both open and minimally invasive surgeries. The hospital also boasts a heart failure clinic and advanced imaging services, making it a solid choice in the northwest suburbs.
11. Silver Cross Hospital – New Lenox
Silver Cross partners with the University of Chicago Medicine to provide world-class heart care close to home. Its surgical team performs a range of procedures including CABG, valve replacements, and hybrid techniques using the latest technology.
12. Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital – Winfield
Part of the Northwestern Medicine network, this hospital offers top-tier cardiac surgery with access to renowned specialists. It combines academic-level expertise with community hospital comfort and is especially noted for its efficient, high-quality care.
13. Memorial Medical Center – Springfield
Memorial Heart and Vascular Institute delivers expert heart surgery in central Illinois. With a reputation for safe outcomes and skilled cardiac surgeons, it’s a trusted hospital for bypass surgery, valve repair, and heart rhythm management.
14. Swedish Hospital – Chicago (part of NorthShore)
Swedish Hospital provides excellent cardiac surgery services as part of NorthShore University HealthSystem. With a strong focus on personalized care and minimally invasive approaches, it’s a great choice for Chicago’s north side residents.
15. Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital – Barrington
Located in the northwest suburbs, Good Shepherd offers high-quality surgical options for patients needing valve repair, CABG, or electrophysiology services. The hospital is part of the Advocate Health system and known for patient-focused heart care.
16. Franciscan Health Olympia Fields
Serving Chicago’s southern suburbs, Franciscan Health is recognized for its robust cardiovascular surgery program. They specialize in coronary and valve surgeries, and the hospital integrates post-surgical rehabilitation to improve patient outcomes.
17. AMITA Health Saint Joseph Medical Center – Joliet
Saint Joseph offers quality heart surgery with a full range of procedures available—from valve repair to cardiac ablation. With a strong nursing staff and a multidisciplinary heart team, it’s a reliable option for heart care in the southwest suburbs.
18. Blessing Hospital – Quincy
For residents in western Illinois, Blessing Hospital provides high-quality cardiac surgery close to home. The hospital has a history of excellent surgical outcomes and is known for compassionate care and efficient recovery protocols.
19. UnityPoint Health – Methodist Hospital – Peoria
This hospital is part of the UnityPoint Health system and is a solid performer in cardiac surgery. With a full-service heart program, it offers advanced options like off-pump bypass, TAVR, and device implants with a focus on community-based care.
What Makes These Hospitals Stand Out?
We compiled this list based on several essential criteria:
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Surgical outcomes and safety ratings
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National rankings and peer reviews
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Availability of advanced and minimally invasive procedures
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Patient satisfaction and recovery rates
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Hospital reputation and team experience
Choosing the right hospital for heart surgery isn’t just about proximity—it’s about trust, outcomes, and comprehensive care. Whether you need a routine valve replacement or a complex heart transplant, these hospitals are among the most reliable in the Midwest.
Heart surgery is life-changing—and choosing the right medical team can make all the difference. Illinois is fortunate to have a wide selection of high-performing hospitals that specialize in cardiac care. From the academic giants in Chicago to trusted community hospitals in smaller towns, the state’s heart surgery programs offer world-class expertise backed by technology, research, and compassionate care.
Take time to consult with your cardiologist, research hospital ratings, and don’t hesitate to get a second opinion if needed. Your heart deserves the very best—and thankfully, in Illinois, the best is within reach.
