The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
Conduction system pacing
- No.1 in the UK for private electrophysiology care
- 99% of our cardiac patients would recommend us to family and friends
- Be seen by a specialist in as little as 24 hours
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Conduction system pacing at HCA UK
Why choose us?
We’re the UK’s leading provider of private electrophysiology care, treating more than 36,000 heart patients and performing more than 1,000 cardiac catheter ablations each year.
We'll aim to ensure an appointment with a cardiac specialist within 24 hours, plus rapid access to state-of-the-art diagnostics, with test results back in as little as 48 hours.
While you're with us you’ll be looked after by a specialist team, including more than 200 cardiac consultants, radiographers and clinical nurse specialists – all with deep expertise in heart rhythm care. Plus, you'll have access to state-of-the-art technology, from pioneering pacemaker procedures to cutting-edge diagnostics, to ensure you get the treatment you need.
It's why 99% of our patients say they’d recommend us.
Conduction system pacing (CSP) is an alternative treatment to right ventricular pacing, which has been used for many years to help people with a slow heart rate. You may be offered CSP if you have heart failure and your heart’s electrical system isn’t working as it should.
Although right ventricular pacing can prove effective at keeping your heart from beating too slowly, it can also disrupt the heart’s natural rhythm. This is because it bypasses the heart’s normal electrical pathways, potentially leading to slower and less coordinated heartbeats. Over time, this may weaken the heart and, in some cases, contribute to heart failure.
CSP works differently. It stimulates the heart’s own electrical conduction system to produce a more natural, coordinated heartbeat. In some people, CSP can also be used as a form of cardiac resynchronisation therapy, which helps the heart’s chambers beat in sync.
Recent studies of CSP have shown some very promising results. They suggest that this is a safe way to pace the heart and may lead to improved clinical outcomes. Several larger clinical trials further investigating the possible benefits are currently ongoing.
HCA UK is always at the forefront of pioneering cardiac technology, keeping abreast of the research and embracing the best new technologies as soon as it’s safe to do so.
HCA UK is always at the forefront of pioneering cardiac technology, keeping abreast of the research and embracing the best new technologies as soon as it’s safe to do so.
This procedure is usually carried out using local anaesthetic with some sedation to ensure that you’re comfortable. A small incision is made just below your collar bone, and the conduction system pacemaker’s lead is passed to your heart via a vein.
The CSP lead is positioned on your heart’s natural conduction system, using X-Ray and ECG to allow your cardiologist to identify exactly where it should be implanted. The lead is then attached to a pacemaker generator, which contains the battery. This is inserted into a pocket under your skin.
48
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state-of-the-art treatment centres
Innovative treatments
See a specialist and get dedicated, expert care
State-of-the-art facilities
New techniques and technology
Minimal scarring
A less invasive procedure and no visible lump
Conduction system pacing
What to expect
Our dedicated cardiac team will take care of you at every stage, from your initial consultation until you’re recovering at home. You’ll be made comfortable, kept informed and given every opportunity to ask any questions.
Please get in touch with us anytime if you have questions or concerns.
Please get in touch with us anytime if you have questions or concerns.
01
Initial consultation
In an initial consultation with one of our cardiac surgery specialists and cardiac surgery clinical nurse specialists, you’ll have a detailed physical examination and assessment. They’ll also ask questions about your condition and medical history.
02
Investigations and diagnosis
Your cardiac consultant will only recommend conduction system pacing once they have investigated your condition in depth and are sure that it’s the best course of treatment for you.
These comprehensive investigations might include assessing your heart rhythm, and carrying out non-invasive tests such as an echocardiogram, to make sure that the procedure doesn’t put you at risk.
Those results will help your team to create a detailed treatment plan, including how and when to prepare for the surgery and ensuring that you’re prepared for your recovery.
These comprehensive investigations might include assessing your heart rhythm, and carrying out non-invasive tests such as an echocardiogram, to make sure that the procedure doesn’t put you at risk.
Those results will help your team to create a detailed treatment plan, including how and when to prepare for the surgery and ensuring that you’re prepared for your recovery.
03
Treatment
Fitting a conduction system pacemaker is a short, minimally invasive procedure. It will be carried out by a specialist cardiologist under local anaesthetic and sedation.
04
Follow up
Your consultant will schedule a follow-up appointment within 4-6 weeks, depending on your specific condition, to see if the pacemaker needs any adjustments to the settings. They’ll check:
- Your pacemaker's function and battery levels
- Your device is working correctly and make any necessary adjustments
- For any complications or issues
Your dedicated cardiac team will be on hand to offer advice and support throughout your recovery.
05
Monitoring
Following your initial post-op check, your team will usually ask you to come back for further monitoring checks every 12 months. They may also be able to monitor your pacemaker’s function and performance remotely, so you don’t have to visit the hospital in person.
Where can I have my conduction system pacing surgery?
Our team of cardiac consultants can help you at every stage from initial consultation through to surgery and recovery. You can have your CSP surgery at:
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
FAQ
Your cardiologist will advise if you need to stop any medications before the procedure and tell you about your likely recovery times so you can make any preparations you need ahead of time
The battery typically lasts 10-15 years, after which it will require a replacement.
Yes, we’ll check your device at any follow-up appointments and through remote monitoring too. We’ll give you a bedside monitor that connects wirelessly to your pacemaker and communicates with it every night. The information from the remote check is automatically sent to your care team.
Yes. Your team will give you a pacemaker ID card that includes your personal information, the details of device, and the consultant who carried out your surgery.
You’ll need to keep this card with you, and you may need to show it to airport security staff when you fly. It's also important to let the DVLA and your travel and driving insurance companies know that you have had a pacemaker fitted.
You’ll need to keep this card with you, and you may need to show it to airport security staff when you fly. It's also important to let the DVLA and your travel and driving insurance companies know that you have had a pacemaker fitted.
Cardiac patient stories
Designing a new heart
Using his experience in 3D printing for his architecture clients, David built a life-size model of his own heart and ribcage to help visualise and plan his endoscopic heart surgery with Mr Toufan Bahrami.
Just two months after undergoing heart surgery at The Harley Street Clinic, David, who is in his 70s, is looking forward to his forthcoming trip to Copenhagen, Stockholm and Gothenburg with his wife.
A simple heart screening revealed Mahmoud’s tumour
At 55, Mahmoud had never felt fitter. The orthodontist from northwest London enjoyed daily exercise classes and a range of sports. It was only when a relative was diagnosed with cardiovascular disease that his wife suggested he arrange a routine heart health check-up.
Graham's story
Graham shares his experience of being diagnosed with prostate cancer, his treatment under the care of Mr Vijay Ramani at The Christie Private Care - part of HCA Healthcare UK, his choice to be treated with robotic surgery and his emotional and physical recovery.
“I couldn't be happier with the care I've received – I've felt very reassured and had each step explained to me in so much detail.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.