Dr. Tom De Potter

Dr. Tom De Potter is a specialist interventional electrophysiologist at OLV Hospital Aalst, one of Belgium's most active cardiac centres. With over 20 years of experience in cardiac electrophysiology, he has developed exceptional expertise in catheter ablation, performing one of the highest volumes of atrial fibrillation ablation procedures in Belgium. OLV Aalst's electrophysiology programme is internationally recognised, and Dr. De Potter has contributed substantially to its growth and reputation. His clinical approach is systematic and outcomes-driven, with a focus on achieving long-term freedom from arrhythmia recurrence. He is an active researcher and educator, training the next generation of electrophysiologists and contributing to European consensus on ablation techniques.

Dr. De Potter completed his medical degree (MD) at a Belgian university followed by specialist cardiology training at leading Belgian academic centres. He pursued subspecialty fellowship training in clinical electrophysiology and interventional cardiac device therapy. His doctoral thesis (PhD) addressed novel approaches to catheter ablation and arrhythmia characterisation. He has completed visiting fellowships at internationally recognised European electrophysiology centres, gaining expertise in advanced ablation technologies including contact force-sensing catheters, high-density electroanatomical mapping, and cryoballoon systems.

Dr. De Potter's clinical focus is on interventional electrophysiology with expertise in catheter ablation for the full range of cardiac arrhythmias. He is particularly known for high-volume atrial fibrillation ablation, including both paroxysmal and persistent AF, using pulmonary vein isolation and advanced lesion sets. He also performs ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation — including complex epicardial approaches — and ablation for supraventricular tachycardias including WPW syndrome. His practice incorporates left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) for stroke prevention in AF patients unsuitable for oral anticoagulation. He uses 3D electroanatomical mapping systems extensively to improve ablation precision.

OLV Hospital Aalst is located in central Belgium, approximately 30 minutes from Brussels by train, making it highly accessible for international patients from across Europe. Dr. De Potter consults in Dutch, French, and English, facilitating communication with patients from diverse backgrounds. International patients seeking catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation or complex arrhythmias are welcome to arrange consultation through the hospital's cardiology outpatient services. OLV Aalst's electrophysiology programme is known for short waiting times for ablation procedures relative to many Western European centres, which is an important consideration for patients planning medical travel.

Dr. De Potter has authored and co-authored publications in peer-reviewed electrophysiology journals including Heart Rhythm, EP Europace, and the European Heart Journal — Electrophysiology. He has presented research on AF ablation outcomes and novel electrophysiology techniques at EHRA Europace, ESC Congress, and HRS Annual Scientific Sessions. He serves as a proctor and trainer for ablation technology companies, teaching the technique of cryoballoon ablation to cardiologists across Belgium and neighbouring countries. He is a member of the Belgian Working Group on Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology and has contributed to Belgian national consensus statements on arrhythmia management.