Coronary Stent Causes Fatal Complications

This case takes place in Georgia and involves a patient who suffered a devastating ischemic stroke shortly after a cardiac stent repair. A stent was placed in the patient after aortic stenosis was found. Subsequently, the stent fractured and a piece lodged in on of the patient’s extremities. It was recommended that additional stents be placed inside the fractured stent to hold it in place. The procedure was completed, at which point records indicate that the patient was slow to emerge. A neurology note taken some time after the procedure indicates that a doctor noted right side weakness in the patient. A CT scan revealed signs of a stroke and an aortic arch aneurysm. The next day, the patient was discharged to another medical center after further scans demonstrated evolution of the stroke. The patient was eventually killed by her stroke.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Do you routinely treat patients like the one described in this case?

2. Based on the summary, is it possible that this patient might have had a better outcome had the care rendered been different?

3. Have you ever reviewed a similar case?

Expert Witness Response E-015592

I am a board certified pediatric cardiologist who is specifically trained in invasive/interventional cardiology. I have performed 1500+ procedures on infants/children and adults with congenital heart disease and I have worked at large-volume medical centers for the duration of my career. I commonly treat patients presenting similar complications and I personally perform interventions on children and adolescents with this type of heart disease. My opinion is that it is certainly possible that the patient could have had a better outcome had different care been rendered. However, that opinion is based upon very little data. I would need to review the catheterization, nursing, and anesthesia records.