Advanced Certification in Ventricular Assist Device Destination Therapy

VAD program treats patients with end-stage heart failure who are not candidates for a heart transplant

Delray Beach, Fla. (September 14, 2015) — Delray Medical Center proudly accepts the Gold Seal of Approval™ for its ventricular assist device (VAD) destination therapy program. The certification recognizes the hospital’s dedication to compliance with The Joint Commission’s (TJC) national standards for health care quality and safety in disease-specific care.

Delray Medical Center underwent a on-site review in which it was evaluated for compliance with the requirements for TJC’s Disease-Specific Care Certification program, ventricular assist device destination therapy-specific standards, clinical practice guidelines and performance measures.

“As the only TJC certified VAD program in Palm Beach County, we are proud to demonstrate our investment to quality on a daily basis,” said CEO Mark Bryan. “Meeting these evidence based measures affirms that we are committed to providing a culture of excellence for our advanced heart failure patients.”

TJC's Advanced Certification in VAD Destination Therapy, developed in response to Medicare requirements, provides standards for hospitals related to: 

• Staffing and facility infrastructure to support VAD placements;
• Participation in a national, audited registry for patients who have received mechanically assisted circulatory support devices; and
• Volume requirements for board certified cardiac surgeons who place VADs.

"In achieving Joint Commission advanced certification, Delray Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for its ventricular assist device patients,” said Michele Sacco, M.S., interim executive director, Certification Programs. “Certification is a voluntary process and I commend the hospital for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves.”

Delray Medical Center is dedicated to providing patients access to some of the latest cardiac treatments. At Delray’s Center for Advanced Heart Therapies, transplant/VAD cardiologists and VAD surgeons determine whether a patient is a candidate for the LVAD program based on the patient’s specific type of heart disease, severity of symptoms and other medical conditions he or she may have.