TRENTON – “Cardiac Surgery in New Jersey in 2000,” the state’s fifth report on patient mortality rates following coronary artery bypass surgery, will be released at a press conference at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 16.

                Health and Senior Services Commissioner Clifton R. Lacy, M.D., will discuss the report, which provides statewide mortality data for patients undergoing bypass surgery as well as hospital-specific and surgeon-specific data.

                Joining the Commissioner will be Dr. Charles Dennis, chairman of the Department of Cardiovascular Diseases at Deborah Heart and Lung Center.  Dr. Dennis also is chairman of the DHSS Cardiovascular Health Advisory Panel, which advises the department on cardiovascular health issues.

                The press conference will be held in the first floor auditorium, Health and Agriculture Building, Trenton.

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