CT hospitals to resume heart surgeries

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut's health department has cleared St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford to resume elective heart surgeries.

The hospital had suspended the procedures last Thursday while the health department investigated the maintenance records of heart and lung machines in the operating room.

The department won't say what prompted the investigation, which began in late June.

Department spokeswoman Diana Lejardi says its has received sufficient documentation to show that the safety concerns raised with the hospital have been addressed.

The hospital issued a statement saying no patients had to be transferred during the program's suspension, and the surgeries were being resumed Wednesday.

St. Francis says it is Connecticut's largest open heart surgery center.