Expert anaesthesia for safer heart surgery in London
Minimally invasive cardiac procedures demand physiology-led anaesthesia — that is my specialty.
Your operation — monitored, protected and guided.
Dr Shane George FRCA, FRCP, FFICM, MBA
Consultant Anaesthetist — Cardiac & Thoracic
Royal Papworth Hospital • Cromwell Hospital • Harley Street Clinic • Wellington Hospital
What I specialise in
Minimally invasive cardiac surgery
Specialist anaesthesia for advanced keyhole heart procedures requiring precision physiological control.
Thoracic surgery
Expert management of lung surgery anaesthesia with focus on lung isolation and protective ventilation.
Cardiac arrhythmia ablation
Tailored anaesthesia for complex rhythm procedures requiring careful haemodynamic stability.
Expert anaesthesia for complex and innovative heart and lung surgery
Every patient has the same silent question before a cardiac operation: "am I going to be safe?"
My work focuses on advanced anaesthesia for procedures where safety, precision and nuance matter most — including minimally invasive cardiac surgery, thoracic surgery, and cardiac arrhythmia ablation.
Patients deserve not only world-class expertise — but clarity, compassion and a sense of calm.
About Dr Shane George
- ✓ Consultant in cardiac, thoracic and intensive care medicine
- ✓ Extensive experience in innovative and minimally invasive techniques
- ✓ Track record across leading UK centres of excellence
I work with surgical teams who are advancing the boundaries of what is possible — while keeping patient safety and dignity at the centre.
What this means for you
My aim is simple: safe surgery, safe wake-up, smooth recovery.
Before your operation
Most patients do not choose their anaesthetist — they are assigned through the surgical team. However, you can still understand what will happen and why.
Inside your pre-operative assessment we will cover:
- • Your medical history and medications
- • Airway and lung function
- • Heart performance and circulation
- • How we protect the brain, kidneys and other vital organs
- • How post-operative pain will be managed
Good anaesthesia is not "going to sleep". It is controlled physiology.
After surgery
You will wake up with precise monitoring, structured pain control and a stepwise plan for recovery.
The goal is to minimise:
- • Pain
- • Confusion
- • Nausea
- • Prolonged ventilation
Modern cardiac anaesthesia is increasingly about enhanced recovery — not simply "getting through" the operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is anaesthesia? ▼
The classical triad of anaesthesia is recognised as loss of consciousness, analgesia (pain relief) and paralysis. In addition, the anaesthetist provides clinical physiological management that the patient can no longer do as they are anaesthetised — including cardiovascular parameters, oxygen delivery, and CO2 removal.
How safe is modern anaesthesia? ▼
Modern anaesthesia is vastly safer with generational improvements in inhaled and intravenous agents. Current UK figures suggest a risk of 1 in 100,000 mortality due solely to anaesthesia, though this may increase to 1 in 10,000 where more specialist techniques are used.
Minor complications such as damage to teeth, sore throat, nausea and discomfort may be more frequent but are typically manageable.
What happens during the pre-operative assessment? ▼
During your pre-operative assessment we will cover:
- Your medical history and medications
- Airway and lung function
- Heart performance and circulation
- How we protect vital organs
- How post-operative pain will be managed
What is minimally invasive cardiac surgery? ▼
Minimally invasive cardiac surgery uses smaller incisions and advanced techniques for heart procedures. This approach demands highly specialised, physiology-led anaesthesia to ensure patient safety throughout the operation. Dr George has extensive experience in this field across leading UK centres.
What is goal-directed physiology? ▼
Good anaesthesia is not simply "going to sleep" — it is controlled physiology. Goal-directed physiology means monitoring and optimising your body's vital functions in real-time during surgery, using precise measurements to guide treatment decisions and ensure the best possible outcomes.
For patients
Understanding reduces fear. Fear reduces trust. Trust improves outcomes.
Explore the site to learn:
- • What to expect before surgery
- • How we manage pain
- • How modern anaesthesia keeps you safe
Get in touch:
sgeorge@prozame.com