Analysis of autopsy and clinical findings on medical malpractice cases after heart operation.
- Author:
Feng-qin ZHANG
1
Author Information
1. Fada Institute of Forensic Medicine and Science, China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing 100040, China.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Adult;
Aged;
Autopsy;
Cardiac Surgical Procedures;
Cause of Death;
Female;
Forensic Pathology;
Heart Diseases/surgery*;
Humans;
Infant;
Male;
Malpractice;
Medical Errors;
Middle Aged;
Mitral Valve Stenosis/surgery*;
Postoperative Complications;
Quality Control
- From:
Journal of Forensic Medicine
2007;23(1):46-48
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE:The purpose of this study was to use autopsy to explore cause of death and to identify medical errors after cardiac surgery.
METHODS:Clinical and autopsy findings in 6 cases were analyzed with respect to the clinical diagnosis, operation types, death time and features, and autopsy findings, medico-legal disputes and related medical errors.
RESULTS:There were total 6 patients. The procedures involve cardiac valve replacement (4), coronary artery bypass (1), and congenital aortic transposition repair (1). Three patients had sudden death one week after surgery and 3 from congestive heart failure. The findings include myocardial infarction (2), massive myocardial injury (1), endocarditis (2), and multi-organ failure (1). The families in all six cases suspected malpractice. The major concerns were operation indication and timing, selection of operation equipment, operative mishandling, inadequate post-operative care and timely therapeutic invention, inadequate informed consent regarding the severity of the disease itself, the risks of heart surgery, and its prognosis after the procedures.
CONCLUSION:Autopsy can be used to determine the cause of death, to assess the quality of the operation and post operation management, and to help to resolve malpractice disputes
