An advanced cardiac diagnostics suite in a Sussex clinic, depicted with photographic realism. In the center, a high-resolution ultrasound machine displays a dynamic echocardiogram of a beating heart on a large flat-panel monitor, its grayscale waves and chamber outlines crisp and precise. The machine’s control panel glows softly with backlit keys, meticulously clean and organized. The room features cool white walls, a pale grey floor, and a single accent wall in calming muted teal. Soft overhead LED lighting provides even, shadow-free illumination, while a small window with frosted glass admits gentle natural light. Captured at eye level with a balanced, wide composition, the atmosphere feels highly professional, technologically advanced, yet calm and patient-centred.

Your Specialists

Get to know the consultant cardiologists and cardiac physiologists dedicated to personalised heart care across Sussex.

Clinical Team

Heart surgeon - Ishtiaq Ahmed

Mr Ishtiaq Ahmed

A British, Australian and European trained surgeon, he performs all aspects of adult cardiac surgery, including coronary artery bypass grafting, atrial fibrillation surgery and all forms of valve surgery.He has a specialist interest in mitral valve repair and minimally invasive surgical techniques. He currently works as a Consultant Cardiac Surgeon at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

He has achieved a repair rate of over 90% for degenerative mitral valve lesions, including complex bileaflet prolapse, Barlow’s valves and infective endocarditis. He also has a strong interest in medical technologies and has established the minimally invasive mitral valve programme, using a minimal access approach for valve procedures.

He led the introduction of endoscopic vein harvesting for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, as well as patient centred digital wound monitoring at University Hospitals Sussex.

In addition to his clinical work, he is deeply committed to surgical training and innovation. He established the first hybrid and virtual reality based cadaver lab in Europe.

He is an expert adviser on medical technologies to NICE, a member of the BISMICS steering group and an ambassador for the charity Heart Valve Voice.

Reviews

Phil Read, Sussex

“I was able to get comfortable and Dr Ahmed helped put my mind at ease and relax. I trusted him and it made my experience ten times better.”

A close-up, photographic realism image of a detailed anatomical heart model on a polished light-wood desk in a Sussex heart clinic. The heart model shows clearly defined arteries and veins in deep crimson and soft blue, with subtle matte texture and fine surface ridges. Around it lie neatly arranged, high-quality printed heart diagrams and an open tablet displaying a clean, minimalist cardiology dashboard. Soft, diffused daylight from a nearby window casts gentle highlights on the model’s contours and creates mild shadows that add depth. Shot from a slightly elevated angle with a shallow depth of field, the background fades into a calm blur of white walls and muted blue clinic accents, evoking a professional, educational, and reassuring mood.

Mateo García

From my first echo with Sarah, the cardiac physiologist, I felt listened to, respected, and expertly guided through each step.