Clinical practice
Clinical Expertise
Specialist cardiology and electrophysiology practice, including arrhythmia care, ablation, device therapy and proctoring.
Clinical Experience
Dr Matthew Lovell has served as a consultant in cardiology and electrophysiology since 2013, with weekly specialist clinics for patients with arrhythmia and ongoing lead responsibility for electrophysiology.
In 2014 he established the complex ablation service at the Royal Devon and Exeter (RDE) Hospital, including the first transseptal puncture, atrial fibrillation ablation and ventricular tachycardia ablation at the hospital. This work included equipment procurement, business cases, clinical protocols, staff training and governance arrangements.
He also introduced nurse-led arrhythmia clinics at RDE, appointing the first arrhythmia nurse in 2014 and supporting expansion to a team of four arrhythmia nurses by 2023.
Clinical Interests
- Catheter ablation: Atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter and supraventricular tachycardia ablation.
- Advanced procedural imaging: Intracardiac echocardiography and transoesophageal echocardiography during electrophysiology procedures.
- Low-radiation practice: Zero-fluoroscopy catheter ablation using three-dimensional mapping and intracardiac echo.
- Ablation technologies: Pulse field ablation, cryoballoon ablation and radiofrequency ablation.
- Complex device therapy: Implantation, optimisation and follow-up, including conduction system pacing.
- Diagnostic cardiology: ECGs, ambulatory rhythm monitoring (Holters), echocardiography, exercise testing, ajmaline and adenosine testing, and specialist arrhythmia assessment.
Proctoring
Intracardiac Echocardiography
Dr Lovell has significant proctoring experience in intracardiac echocardiography, supporting centres and operators nationally and internationally in ICE-guided electrophysiology practice.
This includes hands-on supervision for transseptal puncture, anatomical visualisation, catheter positioning and procedural safety during complex ablation.
Zero Fluoroscopy
He has extensive experience proctoring zero-fluoroscopy ablation and supporting centres that are transitioning to radiation-free electrophysiology practice.
This has included national and international proctorship, live case training and hands-on courses using three-dimensional mapping systems and ICE.