Elderly Woman Dies From Hematoma After Using Xarelto

This case involves an elderly woman, with a medical history of hypertension, who underwent a cardiac catheterization for a heart attack that showed multiple significantly blocked arteries. She was placed on Xarelto following the cardiac catheterization and was discharged. The patient returned 3 days later with lower leg hematoma. An ultrasound revealed arterial blood flow in the largest hematoma. However, no interventions was taken at that time. She was taken to the operating room for excision of her infected hematoma. The patient continued to decline over the next couple of months and died.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Do you routinely prescribe blood thinners?

2. If so, what testing must be ordered to confirm suitability for a given patient?

3. Have you previously published or lectured on this subject?

4. Have you ever prescribed Xarelto to a patient who consequently developed an adverse reaction to the drug?

Expert Witness Response E-001190

I do routinely prescribe blood thinners. The tests that must be ordered to confirm suitability are routine coagulation panels. I have lectured and published extensively on cardiovascular disease in general. I have not prescribed Xarelto to a patient who consequently developed an adverse reaction to the drug, but a patient can develop an adverse reaction if great care is not taken.