Our 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
Consultants advancing their fields of medicine
The latest proven interventional and surgical techniques
Patients have access to broadly three types of cardiovascular consultant. Initial investigation would come under a cardiologist or interventional cardiologist. Following a diagnosis and if more than medical management is required, your consultant will recommend an interventional procedure or surgery.
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
Some of the latest cardiac procedures
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. Instead of opening the entire breastbone to replace or repair valves, or perform coronary artery bypass, surgeons can make smaller incisions (often between the ribs), and in certain cases, operate using endoscopes and thoracoscopes. 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. Taking just an hour, it involves inserting a new valve through an artery in the thigh, whilst the patient is sedated, gradually moving it via a catheter to the heart, and slotting it into place without a single stitch.
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.
The Cardiac Clinic
The Cardiac Clinic is a group of leading cardiologists located in our cardiology department in St Olaf House. These consultants diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions from heart failure to high blood pressure; and heart valve disease to cardiomyopathy. Patients will find a one-stop clinic where most tests can be carried out in the same visit.
A meeting of the finest cardiac minds
A dedicated team to support our patients
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
Cardiac rehabilitation plays a critical role in long-term recovery and wellbeing. Our dedicated rehabilitation CNS supports all patients undergoing heart surgery. This close collaboration with consultants, cardiac nurses, exercise physiologists, occupational therapists and dieticians ensures continuity of care before, during and after a hospital stay. Specialised cardiac physiotherapists are also a crucial part of the surgical team helping patients in the early stages of recovery.
Suzanne O’Connor
Cardiac Surgical Nurse Specialist
Clinical nurse specialists
Not every private hospital has cardiac Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), but we do – just as we do for all our major fields of medicine. They specialise in cardiac care, offering deep medical knowledge which allows them to explain complex clinical information and help patients make decisions that are right for them. They’ll manage a patient’s treatment and provide much valued support for patients and their families, right through to aftercare. The three main areas of CNS support are interventional cardiology, surgery and rehabilitation post-surgery, and for patients with arrhythmia.
Farida Edzla
Interventional Cardiology, Clinical Nurse Specialist
Referring patients
Contact London Bridge Hospital
For patient appointments and enquiries email us or call: