CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Fully endoscopic cardiac surgery for mitral and aortic valves
- The only surgeon performing fully endoscopic cardiac surgery in London
- No.1 in the UK for private cardiac care*
- 200+ endoscopic surgeries performed every year for the past 5 years
Endoscopic cardiac surgery for mitral aortic valves
Why choose us?
Gain fast access to our pioneers in endoscopic cardiac surgery, with a consultant appointment confirmed within 24 hours.
The Harley Street Clinic was the first private hospital in the UK to introduce fully endoscopic MITRIS RESILIA valve replacement surgery and has performed more of these procedures than any other UK private clinic during past 25 years. Our surgeons are also equipped with 3D endoscopic cameras for more precision, reduced operating times and improved techniques for complex surgeries.
What’s more, as the UK’s No.1 provider of private cardiac care*, we have a 99% success rate in all cardiac procedures. No wonder 99% of the 36,000 people we treat each year say they’d recommend us to family and friends.
36,000+
Cardiac patients treated every year
99%
Success rate across all cardiac surgery
250+
Cardiology consultants for you to choose from
Innovative treatments
See a specialist and get dedicated, expert care
State-of-the-art facilities
New techniques and technology
Rapid access
Get tests, scans and results fast
Your patient journey
Understanding the aortic valve surgery process
From the moment you step through the door until you’re ready to leave, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible. We do this by letting you know what to expect at each stage.
If you have any questions that aren’t answered here or in the FAQ section below, please contact your patient support team or a clinical nurse specialist, and they’ll be able to help.
01
Initial consultation
Whether you’ve self-referred or you have a referral from a GP, your first consultation will usually be with one of our cardiac specialists. They’ll examine you, find out more about your symptoms and medical history, and address any questions or concerns you may have.
Your consultant will also arrange any imaging or diagnostic tests you might need and bring in any other specialists who need to be consulted. This might include imaging cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, radiologists, a pre-assessment team or clinical nurse specialists.
02
Tests and scans
Most of the time, you will complete your cardiac assessments and imaging during the same week and receive your results within 48 hours. We may ask you to undertake one or more of the following tests:
- Echocardiogram (transthoracic/transoesophageal)
- Angiogram
- Cardiac CT scan with 3D reconstruction
- Chest X-ray
- Blood tests
Your results will be reviewed by your cardiac multidisciplinary team. They meet regularly to discuss each case and ensure that treatment decisions follow the highest standards of care, in line with GMC guidelines.
03
Your procedure
Your consultant will offer you a highly personalised approach that considers your individual anatomy, surgical preferences and lifestyle needs. If you need endoscopic cardiac surgery, you can expect to be in hospital for a few days, and under general anaesthetic for around three to four hours.
Your surgeon will make a small incision of 2.5cm and carry out the surgery using cutting-edge technology, including a 4K 3D camera system with a robotic arm and specific endoscopic instruments which are more precise and enable a better quality of repair.
For men, the incision is usually made at the peri-areola area or on the right side of your chest. For women, it’s made at the peri-areola or underneath your chest. Once your surgery is complete, your surgeon will make small stitches at the incision site to ensure minimal scarring.
04
Follow-up and after care
After your surgery, you’ll spend a day or two in intensive care, before being moved to the cardiac ward to recover. Overall, you’ll only be in hospital for a few days. You will be supported throughout by your dedicated cardiac clinical nurse specialist (CNS).
You'll need to arrange for someone to take you home from hospital. You'll also need help at home for a couple of weeks following the procedure.
Your CNS will arrange a post discharge call within three weeks and update your consultant. Your consultant will also arrange post-surgery appointments at one of their NHS or private outpatient clinics. You’ll always be able to contact your consultant, at any time, if you have any questions or concerns after your surgery.
Where can I have my procedure?
The Harley Street Clinic, part of HCA UK, is the only private hospital in the UK to offer totally endoscopic valve repair for the mitral and aortic valves, Tricuspid valve, Myxoma and MIDCAB.
We’re experts in the endoscopic cardiac surgical field and we’re here to support you, from your first consultation through to every step of your aftercare.
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ 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.
FAQs
You’ll probably spend four to five days with us after your procedure. You’ll be discharged when you’re able to walk, go up and down stairs, and shower by yourself. Your team will be with you at every stage to make sure you’re safe and recovering well.
During your procedure you will be under general anaesthetic, so you won’t feel anything. After your procedure, you’ll be given some localised pain relief for a couple of days. You may experience some discomfort for a short period after you’ve been discharged, but this can usually be managed with pain medication.
You should be able to drive within three weeks and fit to fly after four weeks.
Many patients have reported being active again and feeling positive within four weeks, with minimal scarring (compared to a standard procedure).
While all surgery carries risks, endoscopic valve surgery is generally safe and well tolerated by the body. It also carries less chance of infection when compared to surgeries with larger incisions. Your surgeon will discuss any potential complications with you, including the risk of infection, bleeding or blood clots. They will also discuss the risks of not having surgery.
Risks can include atrial fibrillation and plural effusion (water between the lung and chest wall), but these can usually be treated with medication.
Yes, tricuspid and ablation for atrial fibrillation can be performed at the same time as endoscopic mitral valve surgery. In fact, 40% of our patients have multiple valve procedures at the same time.
Your four heart valves keep the blood flowing in the right direction. When one of those valves stops working, it can stop the blood flowing round your heart properly and force your heart to pump harder.
Your consultant will explain your surgery and help you prepare. As you'll be having a general anaesthetic, they’ll ask you to stop eating and drinking for six hours or more beforehand.
You may be able to return to work a few weeks after your surgery, but this will depend on the type of job you have. If job involves manual or strenuous activity, you might have to wait a little longer. Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine.
Patient stories
“Mr Bahrami is a great communicator. He really takes the time to explain the process.”
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*Based on national private cardiac volumes. Data source: The Private Healthcare Information Network. 1 January 2025-1 December 2025