Cardiovascular and thoracics at London Bridge Hospital: A centre of excellence for all adult cardiac conditions
27 Tooley Street , London, SE1 2PROur cardiac centre of excellence
London Bridge Hospital is one of the leading cardiovascular centres in the UK. Here consultants are able to carry out a wide range of cardiac procedures, including the most complex, and provide specialised cardiac investigations using the latest imaging technologies. We’re able to support high risk patients thanks to our Level 3 Intensive Care Units staffed by specialists in cardiac intensive care medicine.
Early identification of heart disease can save lives. Here eminent consultant cardiologists provide rapid access to consultation, investigation, diagnosis and treatment of all forms of cardiovascular disease. Patients referred to a consultant cardiologist will have many of the necessary diagnostic tests immediately after an initial appointment in our cardiology department at our St Olaf House outpatients centre.
Why London Bridge Hospital?
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Unprecedented access to clinical leaders from the three major teaching hospital cardiac centres of London
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A cardiac genetics unit investigating and treating even the most complex and rare inherited conditions
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The very latest proven treatments and procedures for cardiovascular conditions in adults over 18
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Novel therapies and procedures to unblock arteries minimally invasively in vulnerable patients who aren’t candidates for heart surgery
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The full range of surgical approaches from open heart to minimal access surgery, and minimally invasive interventional cardiology
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A cardiac clinic led by consultant cardiologists and physiologist so patients can access diagnostics and medical treatment, as quickly as possible, often in one visit
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Patients supported by cardiovascular specialists: consultant radiologists, cardiac clinical nurse specialists and physiologists
The latest proven interventional and surgical techniques
Diagnostic cardiology and medical management
Cardiology consultants, supported by the physiology team, specialise in all aspects of cardiac diagnostics and imaging; medical management of all conditions; the monitoring of inherited conditions through a cardiac genetics team; and implantable devices.
Interventional cardiology
These cardiologists diagnose conditions and can perform minimally invasive procedures in Catheter Labs, such as angioplasty (stents) and ablation, unblocking arteries or inserting aortic valves through arteries in the groin or arm.
Cardiac surgery
For valve, vessel or structural repairs, cardiothoracic surgeons perform a wide range of procedures using open sternotomy or minimal access techniques (through smaller incisions, often between the ribs) including coronary artery bypass graft.
Cardiac diagnostics and investigation
Building a detailed picture of the heart is critical to the accurate diagnosis and treatment of every cardiac condition. The London Bridge Hospital team includes fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support our consultant cardiologists and radiologists as they perform all specialised tests for cardiac patients.
These diagnostic tests include:
- trans-oesophageal echocardiograms
- cardiac CT and MRI
- stress testing
- electrocardiogram to analyse the heart’s internal electrical activity (electrophysiology).
Consultants advancing their fields of medicine
Some of the latest cardiac procedures at London Bridge Hospital
We carry out a comprehensive range of adult cardiac procedures, including the latest techniques to the independent sector, in the hands of our experienced consultants. Some of these techniques, used for patients who can’t tolerate cardiac surgery, are less traumatic to the patient, have quicker recovery times and can improve outcomes. Our multidisciplinary teams’ subspecialties stretch across the numerous anatomical structures of the heart for patients with:
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Valve disease
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Congenital heart disease
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Coronary artery disease
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Inherited cardiac disease (including genetic testing)
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Arrhythmias
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Cardiomyopathy
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Heart failure
Complex revascularisation
An increasing number of techniques have been pioneered to treat patients with coronary artery disease – especially those who might otherwise be poor candidates for surgery. These are minimally invasive procedures carried out in catheter labs by interventional cardiologists using wires and other technology via blood vessels in the groin or arm. Here they treat major coronary arteries that are completely blocked (chronic total occlusion) or heavily calcified with the latest techniques and technology.
Minimal access surgery
In an increasing number of cases, minimal access procedures will be an alternative to open heart surgery. It can mean faster recovery times, less pain after surgery, a reduced risk of infection and improved cosmetic results.
TAVI
Led by interventional cardiologists in our catheter labs, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a minimally invasive game-changer for patients with a faulty aortic valve.
PEARS
Here at London Bridge Hospital, we perform the ground-breaking ExoVasc® Personalised External Aortic Root Support (PEARS) procedure. This involves the creation and fitting of a bespoke, external aortic root support, precisely fitted to the patient’s aorta to treat a dilating aortic root.
The Cardiac Genetics Clinic
This clinic specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of a group of cardiac diseases that are inherited. These can be detected due to a family member being diagnosed or through certain symptoms or conditions. When an inherited condition is suspected, genetic testing is recommended so that any tests and treatments can be started quickly.
Vascular and endovascular treatment
Providing one of the most extensive private vascular services in the UK, here the latest techniques are used in the treatment of many peripheral vascular conditions.
Endoscopic keyhole cardiac surgery
A minimally invasive procedure to treat a wide variety of heart valve conditions, coronary artery disease, PFO and Atrial Fibrillation. Due to a smaller incision, it allows for less scarring, faster recovery time and less complications for patients.
Mr Aziz’s story
Watch Prof James Spratt and Dr Jonathan Hill, Consultant Interventional Cardiologists, solve a patient's blocked coronary arteries using the latest percutaneous (keyhole) techniques - through a tiny incision in the arm or groin.
James’ story
Follow Mr Conal Austin, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, into cardiac surgery where he is able to fix James’ dilating aorta (at the root).
A meeting of the finest cardiac minds
The cardiac multidisciplinary team (MDT) meets regularly to agree how to approach their most challenging cases. The subtleties of patients’ complex needs are presented, and opinions aired, in the cardiac MDT meeting.
Each case is discussed by some of the world’s leading cardiac surgeons and cardiologists, many manage departments and clinical teams in distinguished London teaching hospital institutions. Together they decide the best course of action – especially for those patients with complex and varied health conditions.
A seamless experience for patients
Patient journeys to healthcare can be complex and challenging to navigate around. Taking advantage of new technologies can help improve the patient experience, outcomes and efficiencies within a hospital. However, the task on hand remains the same: how to create a cohesive ecosystem that integrates innovative technologies and expert capabilities to deliver high-quality patient care.
Mr Chris Young, Cardiothoracic Surgeon at London Bridge Hospital and HCA UK’s Chief of Cardiac Council, discusses how specialists gain a deeper understanding on how to provide a seamless patient experience in the realm of cardiology.
Physiologists in our cardiology department
We have a dedicated unit run by clinical physiologists trained to the highest standard in cardiology, respiratory and sleep assessment. Located in St Olaf House, the cardiology team is divided into specialists within fields such as electrophysiology, implantable devices and non-invasive investigation – and each device specialist is accredited by the International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners or the Heart Rhythm UK Council. Following consultations with their cardiologist, patients will receive the tests they need.
Perfusion and blood management
Our chief perfusionist heads the team that operates the cardiopulmonary bypass machines we use during surgery. At London Bridge Hospital we have developed the most advanced, sophisticated and safe bypass technology. One example of this is coating the bypass circuit to mimic our own anatomy. This can prevent rare inflammatory responses and bleeding in the small number of patients who might have an adverse reaction to bypass.
Cardiac rehabilitation and physiotherapy
Clinical nurse specialists
Referring patients
Contact London Bridge Hospital
For patient appointments and enquiries email us or call: