UK's Ventricular Assist Device Destination Therapy Program Reaccredited

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 13, 2012) – The University of Kentucky's Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Destination Therapy Program has been recertified by the Joint Commission.

Dr. Charles Hoopes, director of UK's VAD program, said his team has worked hard to maintain and exceed the Commission's standards.

"The first reaccreditation is the most difficult for an evolving program," said Hoopes. "We were required to resource quantitative and qualitative data to show our program not only met - but exceeded the Joint Commission standards."

UK's VAD team also includes Dr. Navin Rajagopalan, medical director of cardiac transplantation, and Mark Bradley, VAD coordinator.

"Our performance measurements were all met with a 100 percent score," Bradley said. "We have a 92 percent survivability rate - compared to the national average of 85 percent."

"Our program has made tremendous progress over the past year," said Rajagopalan. "VAD placement has tremendously increased patient quality of life and longevity."

The Joint Commission is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality reflecting an organization's commitment to meeting certain performance standards. The Commission accredits and certifies more than 19,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States.

The certification cycle is valid for two years.