Keyhole Heart Surgery in London for International Patients
| 3 Steps to Book Your London Heart Surgery Consultation From Anywhere in the World |
You can book a secure video consultation with a London keyhole heart surgeon without travelling first in a securely. The Keyhole Heart Clinic, led by Mr Inderpaul Birdi, offers online appointments as a structured first step towards minimally invasive heart surgery in London. We welcome enquiries from Europe, Nigeria, the Middle East, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, India, China, the USA and beyond. Our team will confirm whether a clinical video consultation is appropriate and available in the country where you will be physically located.
Booking from overseas: Booking a secure clinical video consultation directly with Mr Birdi is very straightforward. You can call us directly on +44 20 8079 7860 or complete the online contact form and our team will do the rest.
The team will introduce themselves to you and provide you with secure links that you can use to upload all your clinical letters and any test reports for us to analyse. We can even provide you with ways to send the actual images of any tests including echocardiogram, CT scan, MRI scan and angiogram images that will help us to understand your heart conditions and how we can help you.
The information from your images and consultation is then presented to our Cromwell Hospital Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), bringing together experienced cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and radiologists to develop an individual treatment plan.
Where a remote assessment is appropriate and available, this process can begin before you leave your home country.
Key takeaways
- Online consultations are available: The Keyhole Heart Clinic accepts international enquiries for secure video assessments. Our team will confirm availability for your location and whether a remote assessment is appropriate before you book.
- Reviewing your current investigations: We can help you to send any available letters and images to us for our second opinion reporting service prior to MDT review.
- Fees start at £325: An online clinical assessment at The Keyhole Heart Clinic starts at £325; a full second-opinion package covering two consultations and multidisciplinary review starts at £695.
- Surgery within two weeks is possible: For suitable patients, surgery may be scheduled within approximately two weeks of a completed assessment, subject to required investigations, clinical readiness and theatre availability.
- Flight booking and itinerary: We will work with you to create a proposed schedule that helps you plan your flights and understand before you travel the planned dates and estimated costs for any supplementary tests, meetings with Mr Birdi and the team face to face and your surgery date.
- Aftercare: Once your discharge plans are confirmed, your follow-up and preparation for flights home will be made on a one-to-one basis, including regular reviews with Mr Birdi while you are in London.
- Supporting your local clinical team: Once you have travelled home, we will provide your local clinical team with a treatment summary and follow-up recommendations, and liaise with them as appropriate to support your recovery and ongoing care.
- Flying after keyhole surgery: Your return flight will be planned around your recovery, the operation performed, the length of the journey and any airline requirements. Our surgical team will provide individual advice before you book return travel.
Overseas patient experience at The Keyhole Heart Clinic
Choosing heart surgery in another country is a significant decision for patients and their families. The Keyhole Heart Clinic in London, led by consultant cardiac surgeon Mr Inderpaul Birdi, has published evidence of caring for patients who travel from overseas. A patient’s own account helps explain what that journey can feel like.
Here is one patient’s experience:
From India to the UK for keyhole atrial septal defect closure
Miss HK travelled from India to the United Kingdom for keyhole atrial septal defect (ASD) closure under Mr Birdi’s care. In her published testimonial, she said:
“Meeting Mr Birdi made the journey from India to UK worth it.”
She described the confidence the consultation gave her and her family, healing faster than she had anticipated, and the empathy of the team caring for her. Her account offers a personal perspective on travelling internationally for specialist heart treatment.
Read Miss HK’s original testimonial about travelling from India for keyhole ASD closure.
Caring for patients from Hong Kong, Pakistan, Nigeria and the UAE
We have also received patients from Hong Kong, Pakistan, Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates and across Europe and the USA, alongside patients from throughout the UK. Read more of our patient testimonials.
Where patients have travelled from
Where our patients have travelled from for heart surgery with Mr Inderpaul Birdi at The Keyhole Heart Clinic in London, including North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Australia.
Patient origins recorded by The Keyhole Heart Clinic during the supplied 24-month reporting period. Source: the clinic’s supplied patient-location map. Markers show patient origins, not clinic locations.
Watch Mr Birdi explain the treatment journey
In the clinic’s video, What Could Be Better Than Keyhole Heart Surgery? Your Options Explained, Mr Birdi discusses how a specialist team reviews a patient’s condition and considers the treatment options. The section beginning at 7 minutes 30 seconds covers insurance, self-funding and overseas patients. It provides further context for the three practical steps below.
How does a video consultation for keyhole heart surgery actually work?
A remote cardiac surgical assessment is not a blank conversation. Before the call takes place, the surgeon reviews everything you have sent: referral summary, echocardiogram report, ECG, coronary angiogram recordings, CT scans, and recent blood results. At The Keyhole Heart Clinic, Mr Birdi’s team works through your imaging and clinical history in advance, so the appointment itself is an informed clinical discussion rather than a first introduction to your case.
The call typically covers whether minimally invasive surgery is likely appropriate for your specific anatomy and condition, what further investigations may be needed before a final plan is confirmed, and what the proposed operation would involve. It is structured, purposeful, and generally more informative than a brief enquiry when records are supplied in advance.
What the surgeon reviews before the call
Mr Birdi will work through your clinical records systematically before speaking with you. The more information you send to us regarding your heart problem the better.
What a remote assessment can and cannot confirm
A video consultation can establish whether minimally invasive surgery is likely appropriate, which further tests are needed, and whether the trip to London is worth planning. It cannot replace a physical examination or guarantee a final surgical plan. That honesty matters. Treat the online assessment as a well-informed starting point, not a final answer. The final plan is confirmed once all investigations are complete and an in-person pre-operative assessment has taken place.
Step 1: Gather your medical records and imaging first
This is the step most patients underestimate, and it is the one that matters most. The quality of the advice you receive is directly proportional to what you send, and well-organised documentation produces a genuinely useful assessment.
If your records are not in English, our team will advise which documents need an English translation and whether a certified translation is required. You can contact us before arranging this.
Sending imaging from abroad: why DICOM files matter
Written reports alone are not always sufficient. Your surgeon needs the original image files, preferably in DICOM format, to make independent measurements and review your anatomy directly. A PDF summary of a CT scan or an echocardiogram tells part of the story. The DICOM files allow a more detailed review. Ask your hospital or imaging centre to provide these on a disc or via encrypted upload and confirm with The Keyhole Heart Clinic’s coordination team which secure transfer method they use and which file formats their systems accept. If you struggle with this, do not worry, as our team can help you.
Step 2: Book your video consultation and know what it costs
Once your records are organised and your imaging is in the right format, booking is straightforward. The Keyhole Heart Clinic accepts self-referrals from international patients for an initial video assessment. You do not need a GP or cardiologist to make first contact, though a referral letter strengthens the clinical review and is worth obtaining if you have one available.
Self-referral or specialist referral: which route works for international patients?
Many London private surgeons, including Mr Birdi’s team at The Keyhole Heart Clinic, accept direct contact from international patients without requiring a formal referral to book the initial appointment.
What a video assessment costs at a London keyhole clinic
The Keyhole Heart Clinic publishes a starting fee of £325 for an online clinical assessment, compared with £450 for an in-person appointment. The full second-opinion package, which covers two consultations and a multidisciplinary review, starts at £695.
Before you pay anything, we will always confirm in writing what the fee covers, including whether MDT review and a written report are included. If you decide to see another provider, ask whether it includes review of your records and imaging before the call, a written treatment plan or clinical opinion following the appointment, and any administrative or coordination costs. Surgery, pre-operative investigations, hospital fees, and anaesthetic charges are priced separately and will vary by procedure and individual clinical need. We provide an individual written estimate after reviewing your condition and proposed treatment, with a clear explanation of what is included and any additional charges.
Step 3: What happens after the online assessment?
A video call is only useful if it leads somewhere concrete. If your assessment concludes that minimally invasive heart surgery is appropriate, the coordination team at The Keyhole Heart Clinic moves quickly. Suitable self-funding patients may be scheduled for surgery within approximately two weeks of a completed assessment, subject to required investigations, theatre availability, and clinical urgency.
If the surgeon recommends keyhole surgery: timeline and next steps
Following the consultation, Mr Birdi’s team will confirm which pre-operative investigations are required, issue a written treatment plan, and communicate a proposed operation date. This is when you can start planning travel in earnest. The timeline from completed assessment to operation date is shorter than most international patients expect. Two weeks is achievable for the right patient, though some cases require additional investigations that extend the preparation period before a date can be confirmed.
Pre-admission steps and what the hospital stay involves
Expect a formal pre-admission assessment covering your current medications, allergies, fasting instructions, blood tests, ECG, and infection screening including an MRSA swab. This assessment may be conducted by telephone or video before you travel. Minimally invasive heart procedures typically involve a hospital stay of roughly five to seven days. Ask the coordination team specifically whether investigations already carried out in your home country will be accepted or whether any tests need to be repeated on arrival in the UK. Getting clarity on this early saves time and avoids surprises.
Recovery support while you are in London: We will agree a recovery plan with you, including advice on activity, nutrition and rehabilitation. Scheduled reviews after discharge help us assess your progress before you travel home. Where appropriate and available, out-of-hospital monitoring can form part of that plan, with clear arrangements for how to contact the team and when to seek urgent help. Readings are reviewed at agreed times, not continuously, and this is not an emergency response service.
Travel and visa planning once surgery is confirmed
The practical logistics of travelling to London for surgery deserve as much attention as the clinical preparation. The questions are straightforward; the key is asking them in the right order.
Do not book flights until the hospital confirms your operation date
Do not commit to non-refundable travel until you have written confirmation of your operation date and your pre-admission requirements. Allow time before surgery for any in-person examination or repeat tests the UK team requires. Plan to remain in London after discharge until your surgical team confirms that travel is clinically safe.
The treating hospital will provide written confirmation of your diagnosis, planned procedure, estimated stay, and funding arrangements. This documentation supports a UK visitor or medical-treatment visa application where one is required. Visa nationals typically apply for a Standard Visitor visa for medical treatment, currently costing £135 for stays up to six months. Unless exempt, non-visa nationals from most countries need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation, which currently costs £20 and must be obtained before travel via GOV.UK. Check the requirements for your nationality and circumstances before applying.
Accommodation and concierge support: Our team can help you explore hotels or serviced apartments near the hospital, local transfers and available hospital concierge services. We can also help you plan practical arrangements for an accompanying family member. We will confirm availability, any extra charges and who will provide each service before you travel.
Insurance, medication letters, and flying safely after surgery
Standard travel insurance policies frequently exclude elective cardiac surgery abroad or pre-existing cardiac conditions. Obtain a policy that explicitly covers planned heart surgery and post-operative complications before you book anything. Carry all medications in their original packaging in your hand luggage, and request a letter from your surgeon or GP listing your diagnosis and medications for airport security.
Flying after heart surgery requires individual assessment. The Civil Aviation Authority advises that, following coronary bypass or other thoracic surgery, recovery should be uncomplicated and any residual air in the chest should have been reabsorbed, which can take approximately ten to fourteen days. This interval alone does not establish that you are fit to fly. Ask your operating surgeon for written flying guidance before booking return travel. Blood clot risk, wound status, anaemia, and reduced mobility all affect safe travel, and some airlines require formal medical clearance.
Your return journey is planned individually: The timing described above is not confirmation that you are fit to fly. Your surgical team will agree return travel after assessing your recovery, the operation performed, flight duration and any airline medical clearance requirements. Some patients will need to remain in London longer. See the Civil Aviation Authority’s cardiovascular guidance.
Book your consultation and stop waiting
The three steps are straightforward. Gather complete medical records and imaging in the correct format, including DICOM files and English translations. Book a secure video consultation and send everything to the clinical team in advance of the call. Then plan travel only once surgery is confirmed in writing and your operation date is set.
The barrier for international patients is not geography. It is preparation. The Keyhole Heart Clinic’s online consultation service helps patients in Europe, the United States and beyond explore our minimally invasive heart surgery programme before travelling, where a remote assessment is appropriate and available. Mr Birdi’s programme has a strong track record across a wide range of minimally invasive procedures, with surgery potentially available within approximately two weeks of a completed assessment for suitable patients, subject to required investigations, clinical readiness and theatre availability. The team focuses on minimally invasive approaches designed to avoid dividing the breastbone where clinically appropriate. That is what a video assessment connects you to.
If you have received a diagnosis and are researching your options, contact The Keyhole Heart Clinic directly to request an international patient video consultation. Bring your records, ask clear questions, and get a clinical opinion you can actually act on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I contact The Keyhole Heart Clinic directly without a GP or cardiologist referral?
Yes, you can self-refer and contact The Keyhole Heart Clinic directly for an international video assessment. Many London private surgeons, including Mr Birdi’s team, accept direct contact without a formal referral, though a referring doctor’s letter remains valuable for clinical context and arranging tests in the UK.
What imaging file formats should I request from my hospital before sending records?
Request the original DICOM image files rather than only PDF reports. Ask your hospital or imaging centre to provide DICOM files on a disc or via encrypted upload and to confirm with The Keyhole Heart Clinic which secure transfer method and file formats they accept.
How soon can surgery be scheduled after a completed remote assessment if I am self-funding?
Suitable self-funding patients may be scheduled for surgery within approximately two weeks of a completed assessment. This timing is subject to required investigations, theatre availability and clinical urgency, and some cases will need additional tests that extend the preparation period.
How long should I plan to remain in London after minimally invasive heart surgery before travelling home?
Plan to remain in London until your surgical team confirms travel is clinically safe and provides written clearance. Minimally invasive procedures typically involve a hospital stay of roughly five to seven days, followed by an individually agreed period of recovery in London. Your operation, progress, flight duration and airline requirements all inform the advice on when to fly.
How should follow-up be planned when I live overseas?
Before travelling, ask which reviews need to take place in London, how your treatment summary and recommendations will be shared with your usual doctor, and who will provide your ongoing care after you return home. Any proposed remote follow-up should be confirmed for the country where you will be located. Agree these arrangements as part of your individual treatment plan.
