Mr David SladdenConsultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon (Heart & Lung) in Malta
- FRCS (CTh)
- Trained at St Bartholomew's, London
- Pectus Clinic lead
Heart, lung and chest wall surgery: heart valve and coronary artery disease, lung nodules and keyhole lung surgery, and pectus excavatum and carinatum at the LifeScan Pectus Clinic.
About Mr Sladden
Mr David Sladden is a Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Mater Dei Hospital with dual specialist accreditation in cardiac (heart) and thoracic (lung and chest) surgery. He leads the Pectus Clinic at LifeScan in Naxxar.
He completed fellowship training at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London, and is the postgraduate training coordinator for cardiothoracic surgery in Malta. His dual training gives him particular insight into conditions that affect the heart and lungs together.
His heart expertise covers heart valve disease, coronary artery disease, heart failure, aortic aneurysms and heart rhythm conditions. In the chest, he performs keyhole (VATS) lung surgery and assesses lung nodules and lung cancer, fluid around the lung (pleural effusions) and chest wall conditions such as pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum.
At LifeScan, Mr Sladden offers thorough heart and chest assessments and a personal management plan. Most tests, brace fittings and minimally invasive procedures are available in Malta; for highly complex cases, he works with international teams and arranges referral abroad when needed.
How Mr Sladden can help
Mr Sladden sees adults with heart and lung conditions, and adults, teenagers and children with chest wall conditions.
Heart
- Heart valve disease
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart failure
- Aortic aneurysms
- Heart rhythm conditions
Lungs & chest
- Keyhole (VATS) lung surgery
- Lung nodules and lung cancer assessment
- Fluid around the lung (pleural effusion)
Chest wall (Pectus Clinic)
- Pectus excavatum (sunken chest)
- Pectus carinatum (pigeon chest)
- Custom bracing for pectus carinatum
- Chest wall reconstruction
Your appointment at LifeScan
- No referral is needed: book directly online and pick a time that suits you.
- Bring any previous scan reports, blood results or hospital letters.
- Bring a list of the medicines you take.
- Your consultation includes a full history and examination, and a clear plan for the next steps.
- If you need an ultrasound or X-ray, it can usually be arranged here at LifeScan, often on the same day.
Book an appointment with Mr David Sladden
Choose a day and time below. The calendar shows Mr Sladden's latest availability.
Claiming on health insurance? If you're booking without a referral, your insurer may require one from a doctor outside LifeScan. Please check with your insurer before your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Mr David Sladden see patients?
Mr David Sladden sees patients at LifeScan, 1 Wesghet il-Frott, Naxxar, Malta. He leads the Pectus Clinic at LifeScan and also works as a consultant at Mater Dei Hospital. You can book an appointment online at any time; the calendar on this page shows the latest availability.
What is a cardiothoracic surgeon?
A cardiothoracic surgeon operates on the heart, the lungs and the chest wall. Mr Sladden trained in both heart and lung surgery, which helps when a condition affects both.
What are pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum?
Pectus excavatum (sunken chest) is when the breastbone sinks inwards. Pectus carinatum (pigeon chest) is when the breastbone and ribs push outwards. Both often become more noticeable during the teenage growth spurt. Mr Sladden assesses both at the LifeScan Pectus Clinic.
Can pectus carinatum be treated without surgery?
Often, yes. While the chest wall is still flexible, usually in growing children and teenagers, a custom-made brace can gradually reshape the chest over several months. Mr Sladden will check whether bracing is suitable or whether surgery should be considered.
What is keyhole (VATS) lung surgery?
VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) is keyhole surgery on the lung or chest, carried out through a few small cuts using a camera. Compared with open surgery it usually means less pain and a quicker recovery. Mr Sladden will advise whether it is suitable for you.
I have been told I have a lung nodule. Should I see a thoracic surgeon?
Most lung nodules are harmless, but some need monitoring or further tests. A thoracic surgeon can review your scans, explain what the nodule is likely to be and agree a plan with you, which may be follow-up scans, a biopsy or surgery.
Do I need a referral to see Mr Sladden?
No. You can book directly online without a referral. If your GP or another doctor has given you a referral letter, please bring it with you. However, if you plan to claim on health insurance, your insurer may require a referral letter from your GP or another doctor who is not the specialist you are seeing, so please check with them first.