The cardiac unit in the newly built (2009) Bristol Heart Institute at the University Hospitals Bristol looks after about 1500 patients a year undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, both on and off cardiopulmonary bypass, valve procedures, many of which are repairs, complex aortic operations and an increasing number of interventions performed in the cardiac catheter suite including stenting of the aorta and percutaneous insertion of aortic valves.  We have a modern nineteen bedded intensive care/high dependency unit.  New wards for cardiology and cardiac surgery patients are adjacent to coronary care, operating theatres and new catheter laboratories.

 

All trainees spend 3 months in the cardiothoracic module at the BRI usually during intermediate training in years ST3, 4.  They can return during advanced training to gain further training and experience, including echocardiography.  Theatre time is spent on cardiac and thoracic lists with direct supervision by consultant anaesthetists.  Cardiac intensive care is covered by a registrar anaesthetist with a consultant based in the unit all week and another dedicated to cardiac patients on call overnight and at weekends.  The rota is a shift pattern for eight junior doctors; six registrars in training and two cardiac fellows.  Weekly teaching sessions are provided by Consultants, project work and audit is encouraged and an academic evening is held for trainees and consultants during each module.

Cardiac Fellow posts are available for one year and  can fom part of a training programme with appropriate prospective recognition.  They are especially suitable for senior rainees or those with recent CCT, who would like to pursue a career in cardiothoracic anaesthesia and intensive care.  For more information on our cardiac fellow posts please contact Dr Sally Tomkins via the department of Anaesthesia, tel no 0117 342 2163 or Dr Ian Ryder who is the lead clinician fo cardiac anaesthesia by email - ian.ryder@UHBristol.nhs.uk.