SGMC Health has been named a Carotid Care Quality Champion by the Society for Vascular Surgery’s Vascular Quality Initiative (SVS VQI). This national recognition celebrates healthcare organizations that go above and beyond to improve the safety and success of procedures that treat blocked arteries in the neck, known as carotid artery stenting and carotid endarterectomy.

SVS VQI helps health systems track how well they’re caring for patients with vascular conditions and encourages them to follow the latest medical guidelines. While hospitals aren’t required to join a registry to offer these procedures, doing so helps ensure they meet high standards and deliver the best possible care.

Given SGMC Health’s location in the southeastern United States, an area often referred to as the “Stroke Belt” due to its higher-than-average rates of stroke and vascular disease, this recognition carries even greater significance. It highlights the organization’s proactive efforts to address the region’s unique health challenges and improve outcomes for patients at elevated risk.  

“This recognition is a meaningful validation of the work our team does every day,” said David Hardy, MD, Chief of Vascular Surgery at SGMC Health. “We are deeply committed to improving patient outcomes and ensuring the safest possible care. Participating in this registry allows us to hold ourselves accountable, learn from national benchmarks, and continuously refine our approach."

As part of SGMC Health’s ongoing journey to become a High Reliability Organization, its team has embraced participation in the SVS VQI registries as a key strategy for improving patient safety and clinical outcomes. By identifying opportunities for improvement, such as reducing length of stay and enhancing procedural efficiency, the organization is able to make data-driven adjustments that directly benefit patients. Through collaboration with other participating centers, SGMC Health fosters innovation and shares insights that help advance vascular care across the country.

“Improving outcomes is a top priority for SVS VQI and our quality champions,” says Jens Eldrup-Jorgensen, MD, Medical Director at the SVS Patient Safety Organization. “This recognition is only awarded to facilities that are demonstrating their commitment to quality through the use of our carotid registries and leveraging real-world data to inform needed adjustments in care delivery. By working together, we are able to strive for the best possible outcomes and advance vascular care.”

SVS VQI uses a secure online platform called Fivos PATHWAYS® to collect and analyze data. This allows hospitals to see how they’re doing in real time and helps medical device companies develop better tools for patient care.

To learn more, visit sgmc.org.