Electrophysiology day 1: Anatomy/morphology for electrophysiologists

Following completion of a degree in cell biology from University College London and a histopathology doctorate from Imperial College London, Dr Karen P McCarthy is now a laboratory-based researcher in paediatric cardiac morphology and works at the Royal Brompton Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. Dr McCarthy is involved in the three major roles of the cardiac morphology unit, research, education and clinical analysis. These all have strong links with clinical colleagues in paediatrics, pathology, cardiology, surgery and electrophysiology. Dr McCarthy is involved in the examination of cardiac specimens including the histopathologic analysis of conduction abnormalities as well as analysis of many different types of congenital heart disease. She also teaches cardiac anatomy and pathology at Imperial College London, the Royal Brompton Hospital and at national and international courses and webinars.Many doctors, surgeons and medical professionals have studied within the unit completing masters and PhD studies. There are currently several ongoing projects underway including the study of the remodelled right ventricular outflow tract in tetralogy of Fallot. Dr McCarthy regularly reviews scientific papers for publications and has collaborated in various research papers.

Dr Jones, BSc(Hons) MBBS MD(Res) FRCP, is a consultant cardiologist and director of catheter laboratories at Harefield Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals group, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.    He read medicine at St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, obtaining a bachelor degree with first-class honours in cardiovascular medicine in 1997, followed by a bachelor of medicine, bachelor of surgery in 2000. After graduation, he trained in internal medicine in London and Plymouth, then in cardiology, electrophysiology and devices at Green Lane in Auckland, New Zealand, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust. His clinical practice covers the management of all cardiac arrhythmias, including complex devices and catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF), Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and ventricular tachycardia (VT); he has a particular interest in treating arrhythmias in advanced heart failure and post-transplantation.  His research for MD(Res), awarded 2013, examined the role of catheter ablation to treat persistent AF in heart failure. Dr Jones is dual-accredited by the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) in interventional cardiac electrophysiology and cardiac pacing/ implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). He regularly teaches cardiology trainees, electrophysiology fellows and cardiac physiologists, developed the simulation-based Harefield Transseptal Course and leads Harefield catheterization laboratory’ sim- and human factors-based CRRISiS training programme. He is currently the section organiser for electrophysiology training days at the Royal Society of Medicine. His interest in rhythm also extends beyond medicine - he is a keen violinist and longstanding member of the European Doctors Orchestra.  He also enjoys cycling and skiing.