Best Hospitals for Heart Surgery in the US (2026 Guide)

Heart surgery remains one of the highest-stakes procedures in modern medicine. Whether you are facing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), heart valve repair or replacement, aortic surgery, or a heart transplant, the hospital and surgical team you choose will have a direct impact on your survival and recovery. This guide ranks the best cardiac surgery hospitals in America for 2026 and gives you the data-driven framework to evaluate your options.

The volume-outcome relationship is especially strong in cardiac surgery. Hospitals that perform hundreds of heart procedures each year consistently demonstrate lower mortality rates, fewer complications, and shorter recovery times compared to low-volume centers. Choosing the right cardiac surgery hospital is not a luxury. It is a necessity that can mean the difference between a full recovery and a preventable complication.

How We Ranked the Best Heart Surgery Hospitals

Our cardiac surgery rankings are based on objective data that directly correlates with patient outcomes:

• 30-day mortality rates for coronary bypass surgery and valve procedures
• Surgical volume including total cardiac surgeries and procedure-specific case counts
• CMS Hospital Compare ratings for heart attack mortality, heart failure readmission, and overall quality
• Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) star ratings, the gold standard for cardiac surgery quality measurement
• Complication rates including post-surgical infections, stroke, and prolonged ventilation
• Availability of advanced procedures such as TAVR, robotic-assisted surgery, and heart transplantation

You can search for cardiac care hospitals near you on HospitalMatch to compare facilities and contact information.

Top 10 Best Heart Surgery Hospitals in America for 2026

1. Cleveland Clinic (Cleveland, Ohio)

Cleveland Clinic has been the top-ranked cardiac surgery program in the United States for decades, and that reputation is backed by data. The hospital performs one of the highest volumes of cardiac surgeries in the country, and their outcomes consistently exceed national benchmarks. Cleveland Clinic pioneered minimally invasive heart valve surgery and continues to lead in TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) procedures. Their cardiac surgical team includes some of the most published and experienced heart surgeons in the world.

2. Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota)

Mayo Clinic's cardiac surgery program is distinguished by its integrated care model. Patients receive evaluations from cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and cardiac anesthesiologists in a coordinated fashion, often within a single visit. Mayo performs a high volume of complex cardiac procedures including heart transplants, ventricular assist device implantations, and redo cardiac surgeries. Their outcomes for both bypass surgery and valve procedures are consistently among the best nationally.

3. Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston, Massachusetts)

Mass General's cardiac surgery division combines clinical excellence with groundbreaking research. The hospital was among the first to offer robotic-assisted cardiac surgery and has been a leader in developing new approaches to aortic repair. Their surgical volume is high, and their outcomes data demonstrates lower-than-expected mortality for both isolated CABG and combined procedures. The hospital's Corrigan Minehan Heart Center provides comprehensive cardiac care from diagnosis through rehabilitation.

4. Cedars-Sinai Smidt Heart Institute (Los Angeles, California)

Cedars-Sinai has rapidly become one of the leading heart programs on the West Coast. The Smidt Heart Institute performs a full range of cardiac surgeries and is particularly strong in heart transplantation and mechanical circulatory support. Their TAVR program is one of the busiest in the country, and they were early adopters of percutaneous mitral valve repair. Cedars-Sinai's cardiac surgery outcomes meet or exceed national STS benchmarks across all measured categories.

5. NewYork-Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center (New York, New York)

Columbia's cardiac surgery program is one of the oldest and most accomplished in the nation. The hospital performs one of the highest volumes of heart transplants in the country and has pioneered numerous cardiac surgical techniques. Their outcomes for complex aortic surgery are among the best nationally. The program benefits from close integration with Columbia's world-class cardiology research division, giving patients access to novel therapies through clinical trials.

6. Duke University Hospital (Durham, North Carolina)

Duke has been a national leader in cardiac care since it established one of the first cardiac catheterization labs in the Southeast. The hospital's cardiac surgery program performs a high volume of both routine and complex procedures, including heart transplantation and LVAD implantation. Duke's data-driven approach to quality improvement has resulted in consistently strong outcomes, and their cardiac rehabilitation program is considered a national model.

7. Northwestern Memorial Hospital (Chicago, Illinois)

Northwestern's Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute offers comprehensive cardiac surgical services with outcomes that rank among the best in the Midwest. The program is particularly strong in minimally invasive cardiac surgery, including robotic-assisted mitral valve repair. Northwestern was among the first hospitals in the region to offer transcatheter mitral valve replacement and has a growing structural heart program. Patient satisfaction scores for their cardiac surgery department consistently exceed national averages.

8. Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center (Houston, Texas)

Named after legendary heart surgeon Michael DeBakey, this center carries forward a tradition of surgical innovation. Houston Methodist performs a high volume of cardiac surgeries and has invested heavily in advanced technology including hybrid operating rooms and intraoperative imaging. The center is strong in aortic surgery, heart transplantation, and coronary bypass procedures. Their nurse-to-patient ratios in cardiac ICU are among the best in the country.

9. Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Penn Medicine's cardiac surgery program combines academic rigor with clinical excellence. The program is a leader in heart transplantation and has been instrumental in developing new approaches to managing advanced heart failure. Penn's outcomes for both CABG and valve procedures are consistently strong, and their cardiac surgical team includes several nationally recognized experts. The hospital's investment in precision medicine is extending into cardiac care with genetic testing to guide surgical decisions.

10. Mount Sinai Hospital (New York, New York)

Mount Sinai's cardiac surgery program has grown significantly in both volume and reputation. The hospital is particularly strong in mitral valve repair, achieving repair rates that are among the highest in the country rather than resorting to replacement. Their robotic cardiac surgery program is well-established, and their outcomes for minimally invasive procedures are excellent. Mount Sinai also operates a robust cardiac rehabilitation program that begins during the hospital stay and continues through outpatient recovery.

Types of Heart Surgery and Where to Go

Different cardiac procedures require different levels of expertise. Here is a guide to matching your procedure with the right type of facility:

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

CABG is the most common heart surgery, and most large hospitals perform it competently. However, outcomes still vary significantly by volume. Choose a hospital that performs at least 200 CABG procedures per year and has three-star STS ratings. For off-pump (beating heart) bypass, select a hospital with specific expertise in this technique, as it requires additional surgical skill.

Heart Valve Surgery

Valve repair and replacement procedures have become increasingly sophisticated. For mitral valve disease, look for surgeons who achieve repair rates above 95 percent for degenerative disease, as repair is generally preferred over replacement. For aortic valve disease, consider hospitals that offer both surgical replacement and TAVR, so your team can recommend the best approach for your anatomy and risk profile.

Aortic Surgery

Surgery on the aorta, particularly the ascending aorta and aortic arch, is among the most complex cardiac operations. This is a procedure where traveling to a high-volume center can make a particularly significant difference in outcomes. Choose a hospital with a dedicated aortic surgery program and a surgeon who performs at least 50 aortic procedures annually.

Heart Transplant

Heart transplantation is performed at approximately 140 centers in the United States. Volume matters enormously for transplant outcomes. Choose a center that performs at least 20 heart transplants per year and has one-year survival rates above the national average. The center should also have a robust mechanical circulatory support program to bridge patients to transplant when necessary.

Key Metrics for Evaluating Cardiac Surgery Programs

When comparing heart surgery hospitals, ask for and compare these specific metrics:

1. STS star rating: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons rates cardiac surgery programs on a one-to-three star scale. Three stars indicates performance among the top tier nationally.
2. Observed-to-expected mortality ratio: A ratio below 1.0 means the hospital's actual death rate is lower than predicted based on the complexity of cases they treat.
3. Deep sternal wound infection rate: This is a serious complication of cardiac surgery. Rates should be well below 1 percent.
4. Stroke rate: Post-cardiac surgery stroke is a devastating complication. Compare the hospital's rate to the national average of approximately 1 to 2 percent for CABG.
5. Length of stay: Shorter hospital stays after cardiac surgery generally indicate fewer complications and better recovery protocols.
6. 30-day readmission rate: Low readmission rates suggest thorough discharge planning and effective post-surgical care.

Preparing for Heart Surgery: What to Do Before You Go

Once you have selected a hospital, preparation becomes the next priority. Steps you should take before cardiac surgery:

• Get a second opinion on both the diagnosis and the recommended procedure, especially for elective surgery
• Optimize your health by quitting smoking, controlling blood sugar, and following your cardiologist's pre-surgical instructions
• Understand the risks by asking your surgeon to explain the specific risks for your procedure given your health profile
• Arrange post-discharge support including transportation, home care, and someone to help during the initial recovery period
• Confirm insurance coverage for the procedure, hospital stay, and anticipated post-surgical rehabilitation
• Tour the cardiac rehabilitation facility where you will begin your recovery program

Take the Next Step

Heart surgery outcomes depend heavily on the skill of the surgical team and the resources of the hospital. Use the rankings and evaluation criteria in this guide to identify the best cardiac surgery program for your specific needs. Do not settle for convenience when your heart is on the line.

Search for cardiac care hospitals in your area on HospitalMatch, or learn more about how to check hospital ratings before making your decision.