Selecting the right hospital is crucial for maintaining heart health.Heart surgery is a complicated, life-saving procedure that necessitates a highly skilled medical team and advanced facilities. Illinois is home to some of the most reputable hospitals in the country, offering world-class cardiac care. Whether you’re seeking treatment for coronary artery disease, valve disorders, or congenital heart defects, these hospitals stand out for their excellence in cardiovascular surgery and patient outcomes.Here’s our comprehensive list of the Top 20 Best Heart Surgery Hospitals in Illinois, based on reputation, patient satisfaction, technological advancement, and cardiac surgical expertise.
1. Northwestern Memorial Hospital – Chicago
Northwestern Memorial Hospital consistently ranks as one of the top hospitals in the Midwest. Its Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute is internationally recognized for advanced heart surgeries, including minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures. With a multidisciplinary team of cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, and researchers, Northwestern leads in outcomes and innovation.Highlights:- Ranked among the best in the nation for Cardiology and Heart Surgery by U.S. News & World Report.
- Comprehensive heart transplant and LVAD program
- Cutting-edge technologies like TAVR and MitraClip
2. University of Chicago Medical Center – Chicago
UChicago Medicine is a leader in cardiovascular research and complex heart surgery. Their Heart and Vascular Center offers treatments for both common and rare cardiac conditions, and their surgical team is renowned for handling high-risk cases with impressive success rates.Highlights:- Robotic and minimally invasive heart surgery
- Advanced electrophysiology and arrhythmia care
- Personalized treatment plans using genetic profiling
3. Rush University Medical Center – Chicago
Rush University Medical Center has a robust reputation for heart and vascular care. The center emphasizes patient-centered approaches and has pioneered several minimally invasive surgical techniques for heart valve and coronary artery diseases.Highlights:- Accredited Chest Pain Center
- Specialized care for structural heart conditions
- Focus on preventive cardiology
4. NorthShore University HealthSystem – Evanston
Affiliated with the University of Chicago, NorthShore combines clinical expertise with cutting-edge technology. Its cardiovascular institute is known for excellence in open-heart surgery, bypass surgery, and innovative valve replacement procedures.Highlights:- Integrated electronic health record system
- Personalized cardiovascular risk assessments
- Comprehensive cardiac rehab programs
5. Advocate Christ Medical Center – Oak Lawn
Christ Medical Center, part of the Advocate Health system, is one of the busiest heart surgery centers in Illinois. Their Heart and Vascular Institute offers comprehensive surgical care, including bypass surgery, valve replacement, and heart failure treatment.Highlights:- High volume of successful surgeries
- Magnet-recognized nursing care
- Full-service electrophysiology lab
6. OSF Saint Francis Medical Center – Peoria
OSF Saint Francis is one of the largest hospitals in Illinois outside of Chicago and is home to the OSF Cardiovascular Institute. The center is known for high-quality cardiac surgery, including pediatric and adult congenital heart procedures.Highlights:- Advanced diagnostic imaging tools
- Hybrid operating rooms
- Multidisciplinary approach to cardiac care
7. Loyola University Medical Center – Maywood
Loyola’s heart surgery program is nationally ranked and known for its excellence in cardiac transplants, heart valve surgery, and coronary revascularization. The team consists of cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, and specialists in rehabilitation.Highlights:- ECMO and mechanical circulatory support
- Heart transplant and VAD expertise
- Award-winning surgical ICU
8. Northwest Community Hospital – Arlington Heights
This community hospital punches above its weight in cardiac care. It offers a wide range of heart surgeries with outcomes that rival larger academic centers. Their team specializes in minimally invasive valve procedures and bypass surgery.Highlights:- Accredited by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons
- Strong patient satisfaction scores
- Comprehensive recovery and rehab services
9. Carle Foundation Hospital – Urbana
Carle is a regional referral center for complex cardiac cases in central Illinois. The Heart and Vascular Institute at Carle performs a broad range of heart surgeries, including congenital repairs and aortic aneurysm corrections.Highlights:- Accredited Chest Pain Center
- Advanced imaging and diagnostics
- Personalized treatment plans
10. Edward Hospital – Naperville
Edward Heart Hospital is part of Edward-Elmhurst Health and offers comprehensive cardiac surgery services. With a dedicated team of cardiothoracic surgeons, they perform a variety of procedures from valve repair to bypass grafting.Highlights:- 24/7 STEMI response team
- Collaborative care approach
- Cardiac catheterization lab with advanced technology
11. Silver Cross Hospital – New Lenox
Silver Cross partners with Cleveland Clinic’s Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute, providing top-tier heart care. Their collaboration ensures access to the latest protocols and treatment standards.Highlights:- Cleveland Clinic affiliation
- Strong emphasis on patient safety and outcomes
- Modern surgical suites and recovery units
12. AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Medical Center – Elk Grove Village
This hospital is known for its compassionate care and technologically advanced cardiac services. They provide comprehensive cardiovascular surgery services, which include both open-heart and minimally invasive procedures.Highlights:- Advanced diagnostic cardiac imaging
- Expert heart failure management
- Accredited cardiac rehabilitation
13. Advocate Lutheran General Hospital – Park Ridge
Lutheran General is a key hospital within the Advocate Aurora Health network. Their cardiothoracic surgery team is recognized for complex bypass and valve procedures.Highlights:- Comprehensive electrophysiology services
- Awarded for cardiac patient safety and experience
- Cardiac rehab and wellness programs
14. Illinois Masonic Medical Center – Chicago
Part of Advocate Health, this hospital serves a diverse urban population with exceptional cardiac care. Their heart surgery program includes both routine and advanced procedures.Highlights:- Emphasis on community health
- Cardiac catheterization and interventional labs
- Team-based treatment approach
15. Franciscan Health Olympia Fields
Located in the southern suburbs of Chicago, this hospital offers robust cardiac surgery services. Franciscan’s cardiology and surgical teams provide high-quality care and compassionate treatment.Highlights:- State-of-the-art hybrid ORs
- Multispecialty cardiac team
- Well-regarded for post-operative care
16. Decatur Memorial Hospital – Decatur
A strong regional player in heart surgery, Decatur Memorial offers patient-centered care with experienced cardiac surgeons and a well-equipped cardiovascular suite.Highlights:- Accredited cardiac center
- Personalized pre- and post-surgery education
- Excellent patient satisfaction scores
17. UnityPoint Health – Trinity Rock Island
This hospital provides dependable cardiovascular services to the Quad Cities area. Their cardiac surgery team is experienced in traditional and minimally invasive techniques.Highlights:- 24/7 cardiac emergency services
- Collaborative care with primary providers
- Emphasis on community heart health
18. Swedish Hospital – Chicago
Now part of NorthShore University HealthSystem, Swedish Hospital combines community-focused care with top-tier cardiac surgery services.Highlights:- Heart and Vascular Center with full-service capabilities
- Strong integration with NorthShore cardiology specialists
- Patient-first philosophy
19. OSF St. Joseph Medical Center – Bloomington
A smaller but highly capable hospital, OSF St. Joseph delivers quality cardiovascular surgical care in a comfortable and modern setting.Highlights:- Board-certified cardiothoracic surgeons
- Advanced imaging and monitoring
- Highly rated for patient experience
20. Memorial Medical Center – Springfield
Memorial Health’s flagship hospital offers comprehensive cardiac care. The Prairie Heart Institute, located within Memorial, is renowned for cardiovascular surgery and research.Highlights:- High surgical volumes and excellent outcomes
- Collaboration with Prairie Heart Institute
- Focus on innovation and minimally invasive procedures
