When it comes to matters of the heart, you want only the best. Heart surgery is a serious undertaking, and Pennsylvania is home to some of the top cardiac care centers in the United States. Whether you’re looking for advanced minimally invasive procedures, heart transplant services, or world-class recovery programs, the state offers a range of options backed by decades of medical innovation and patient-centered care.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the Top 20 Best Heart Surgery Hospitals in Pennsylvania, each renowned for their cardiac expertise, surgical success rates, and commitment to saving lives.
1. Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (Penn Medicine) – Philadelphia
Penn Medicine is often ranked among the best hospitals in the U.S. Its Heart and Vascular Center is known for excellence in cardiac surgery, including bypass surgery, valve replacements, and heart transplants. With cutting-edge technology and highly skilled surgeons, Penn is a leader in minimally invasive heart surgery and complex cardiac cases.
2. UPMC Presbyterian – Pittsburgh
Part of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) network, UPMC Presbyterian has a strong reputation for cardiac care and surgery. It offers advanced robotic-assisted surgeries and is known for heart transplants, ventricular assist devices (VADs), and high-risk cardiovascular cases.
3. Thomas Jefferson University Hospital – Philadelphia
Jefferson Heart Institute provides comprehensive cardiac surgery programs, including valve repair and replacement, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and aortic surgery. It’s also a key research and teaching hospital, constantly innovating in cardiac care.
4. Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest – Allentown
Lehigh Valley Heart Institute boasts top-tier cardiac surgeons and consistently high patient satisfaction scores. Their heart surgery program is nationally recognized for safety and effectiveness, especially in coronary artery bypass and valve surgeries.
5. Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center – Hershey
Hershey Medical Center is a well-respected academic hospital offering comprehensive cardiovascular care. It specializes in complex cardiac surgeries and supports a thriving transplant and mechanical circulatory support program.
6. Main Line Health Lankenau Medical Center – Wynnewood
Lankenau is a leader in cardiac surgery in suburban Philadelphia. It offers advanced minimally invasive heart surgery and robotic-assisted procedures. The hospital is also part of a high-performing cardiovascular research program.
7. Allegheny General Hospital – Pittsburgh
Part of Allegheny Health Network, this hospital is known for advanced heart procedures, including complex valve repairs and minimally invasive surgeries. Its cardiac surgery team is nationally recognized and offers state-of-the-art treatment options.
8. Geisinger Medical Center – Danville
Geisinger is one of the most respected names in healthcare in Pennsylvania. Its Heart Institute provides top-level surgical care, including congenital heart surgery, CABG, and treatment for aortic aneurysms, with a focus on personalized care.
9. Einstein Medical Center – Philadelphia
Einstein’s Heart and Vascular Institute offers a wide range of surgical procedures with high success rates. Known for its comprehensive cardiac program, it features innovative technologies and minimally invasive techniques.
10. Paoli Hospital – Paoli
This community hospital, part of Main Line Health, punches above its weight in cardiac care. With consistently strong safety ratings and a robust surgical team, Paoli provides excellent care in a smaller, more personalized setting.
11. Reading Hospital – West Reading
Reading Hospital offers a high-performing heart and vascular program with a strong record in open-heart surgeries, valve procedures, and minimally invasive interventions. It also has advanced cardiac imaging and recovery support.
12. St. Luke’s University Hospital – Bethlehem
St. Luke’s Heart & Vascular Center provides outstanding cardiovascular care, including complex surgical procedures. With a multidisciplinary team and excellent post-op care, it’s one of eastern Pennsylvania’s most trusted heart hospitals.
13. Crozer-Chester Medical Center – Upland
Crozer Health’s cardiac surgery program offers advanced care including CABG and valve replacement. The center has received accolades for cardiac surgery outcomes and post-surgery rehabilitation services.
14. Abington Hospital – Jefferson Health – Abington
With a strong affiliation to Jefferson Health, Abington Hospital offers high-quality cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology. It also features state-of-the-art hybrid operating rooms for combined surgical and catheter-based procedures.
15. Doylestown Hospital – Doylestown
Doylestown Health’s Richard & Angela Clark Heart Institute is known for quality cardiac surgery in a patient-first environment. Their surgeons specialize in valve procedures, minimally invasive techniques, and electrophysiology.
16. Temple University Hospital – Philadelphia
Temple Heart & Vascular Institute offers groundbreaking heart surgery programs. It’s a national leader in heart and lung transplants and mechanical circulatory support for heart failure patients. The team excels in both traditional and cutting-edge surgical methods.
17. WellSpan York Hospital – York
WellSpan Heart & Vascular Center delivers comprehensive heart care with a focus on coronary bypass, valve surgeries, and rhythm management. The hospital is well-equipped and has a team of experienced cardiovascular surgeons.
18. Holy Spirit Medical Center (Geisinger) – Camp Hill
As part of the Geisinger system, Holy Spirit offers excellent heart surgery services with a strong emphasis on community-centered care. It’s especially noted for elective cardiac surgeries and quick recovery programs.
19. Lancaster General Hospital – Lancaster
Affiliated with Penn Medicine, Lancaster General offers robust heart surgery options with excellent patient outcomes. Its cardiac surgery program includes CABG, valve repair, and minimally invasive surgery, supported by a skilled nursing and rehab team.
20. Chambersburg Hospital – Chambersburg
While smaller in size, Chambersburg Hospital delivers excellent surgical heart care through the WellSpan Health network. With a strong focus on patient safety and personalized treatment, it serves the south-central Pennsylvania region with pride.
How We Chose These Hospitals
This list was curated based on several key factors:
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National rankings and recognitions from sources like U.S. News & World Report.
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Patient safety and surgical success rates.
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Innovations in technology and minimally invasive procedures.
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Patient satisfaction and outcomes.
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Reputation among cardiac specialists.
If you’re seeking heart surgery in Pennsylvania, it’s crucial to consult with your cardiologist and explore hospitals that best align with your needs. Factors such as distance, insurance coverage, and surgeon experience should also play a role in your decision-making.
Heart surgery is one of the most delicate and life-changing procedures a person can undergo. Thankfully, Pennsylvania is home to some of the nation’s finest hospitals where world-class heart surgeons, advanced technology, and compassionate care come together.
Whether you’re facing bypass surgery, valve repair, or even a heart transplant, the hospitals on this list represent the very best Pennsylvania has to offer.
