Dr Matthew Wright

Dr Wright

I am a Consultant Cardiologist at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust in central London, with a private practice at Cleveland Clinic London. My expertise lies in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF), atrial tachycardias (AT), and ventricular arrhythmias. I specialise in catheter ablation and the implantation of all types of cardiac devices, providing personalised treatment tailored to each patient’s condition and lifestyle.

I have been practising electrophysiology for 20 years and am a high-volume operator, performing a large number of procedures each year. My results are audited in national databases, ensuring transparency and benchmarking my outcomes against national standards.

Atrial Fibrillation & Atrial Tachycardia

Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained heart rhythm disturbance. It can increase the risk of stroke and often causes symptoms such as fatigue, lethargy, palpitations, shortness of breath, and reduced exercise capacity. I perform AF ablation using both pulsed field ablation (PFA) and radiofrequency (RF) ablation, selecting the most appropriate technique based on the individual’s type of AF, co-existing conditions, and whether they are an athlete. When necessary, I use advanced strategies such as Vein of Marshall alcohol ablation to target the underlying substrate of AF.

Ventricular Arrhythmias

I specialise in the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular ectopics. I treat patients with VT arising in structurally normal hearts as well as those with underlying cardiomyopathies, such as ischaemic, dilated, arrhythmogenic, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. For patients requiring epicardial VT ablation, I use minimally invasive techniques, including carbon dioxide insufflation of the pericardium, which helps reduce procedural risks and improve safety.

Cardiac Device Implantation

I implant all types of cardiac devices, including pacemakers, conduction system pacemakers, biventricular devices, and defibrillators, ensuring patients receive the most appropriate therapy for their condition.

Research & Teaching

I am actively involved in research focused on improving outcomes for patients undergoing AF ablation, particularly through the use of real-time lesion visualisation. I have published over 100 peer-reviewed papers and contributed to more than 30 reviews and book chapters. As a Fellow of the Heart Rhythm Society, the Royal College of Physicians, and the European Heart Rhythm Association, I regularly lecture at international conferences and perform live, televised ablation procedures to train other physicians.

Special Interests

I have a particular interest in the management of atrial fibrillation (AF), providing a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle modification, risk factor management, and a full range of treatment options. I work closely with patients to optimise medical therapy, including anticoagulation when needed, and assess the most suitable rhythm control strategies. For those requiring intervention, I offer catheter ablation using both pulsed field ablation (PFA) and radiofrequency (RF) ablation, tailoring the approach to each individual’s specific type of AF, co-existing medical conditions, and lifestyle—particularly for athletes or highly active individuals. My goal is to provide a personalised treatment plan that improves quality of life, reduces symptoms, and minimises stroke risk.

For certain individuals requiring highly specialised treatment—such as complex ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation—I collaborate with Dr. John Whitaker to ensure the best possible outcomes. Some VT ablation procedures can take over six hours, involving both endocardial and epicardial ablation, phrenic nerve deflection using balloons, or venous alcohol ablation for targeted substrate modification. These complex cases require a multidisciplinary approach to optimise safety and effectiveness.

In some patients, it may be appropriate to perform structural corrections at the same time as an electrophysiology procedure. For example, atrial septal defect (ASD) closure or left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) may be beneficial in selected individuals. I perform these procedures as joint cases with the structural heart team at Cleveland Clinic London, ensuring a seamless and comprehensive treatment plan.