Barts and The London Heart Surgery Centre
Heart surgeons at Barts and The London Heart Surgery Centre follow in the footsteps of surgeons who helped to pioneer modern cardiac surgery
This tradition of excellence continues today with the use of advanced surgical procedures to treat our patients.
We provide a full range of treatments for patients with conditions that require heart surgery.
We are at the forefront of endoscopic, keyhole surgery – also known as minimal access surgery - for coronary artery bypass, aortic and mitral valve operations. Used as an alternative to open heart surgery, which has been the standard practice for several decades, keyhole surgery reduces the size of the incisions needed, resulting in less post-operative pain for the patient, and improves recovery times.
We use a range of long-established and modern techniques in our surgery. Coronary artery bypass surgery is carried out by the use of cardiopulmonary bypass and the more 'modern' technique of beating heart surgery (or 'off pump' surgery).
Program of percutaneous aortic valve surgery
We are also embarking on a program of percutaneous aortic valve surgery. This program is carried out in conjunction with our interventional cardiologists.
It involves either inserting the valve through the left femoral artery or through a small thoracotomy (a cut in the anterior chest wall and the apex of the heart.)
This procedure is used when patients are not be suitable for open heart surgery.
Mitral valve surgery
We have long since developed an excellent reputation in mitral valve repair. This involves repairing and therefore preserving a patient's own native mitral valve.
A high proportion of damaged valves are repaired (greater than 95 per cent) as opposed to the more traditional replacement procedure.
Please use the links below to find out more about our specialist heart surgery services.
Please note that the surgical treatments provided at Barts and The London Heart Surgery Centre depend on individual circumstances and medical history, and will be discussed with you by your surgeon and nursing team. The information on this website should not be used to self-diagnose conditions and nor is it intended to replace advice from your GP, hospital doctor, surgeon or other healthcare professional.