Recently, Cian O’Carroll Solicitors concluded a complex medical negligence case on behalf of a woman who suffered a devastating and avoidable stroke following cardiac treatment. The case was resolved at mediation before trial for a substantial though confidential sum of damages.
A Procedure Meant to Help
Our client underwent what should have been a straightforward percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) a procedure designed to open a narrowed heart artery using a stent. Specifically, the stent was placed in the left anterior descending artery (LAD), one of the heart’s most important vessels.
This was planned, elective treatment. It was not an emergency.
Shortly after the procedure, our client developed severe chest pain. Her ECG showed concerning changes. She was rushed back to the catheterisation lab, where doctors discovered that the LAD artery had become blocked.
Attempts to reopen it failed.
She was transferred for emergency coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) to save her life.
A Known Risk, But an Avoidable One
CABG surgery carries recognised risks, including stroke. Tragically, days after the bypass operation, our client suffered a major stroke involving the left middle cerebral artery leading to serious brain injury.
The consequences for our client were catastrophic.
What should have been a routine intervention turned into prolonged hospitalisation, intensive rehabilitation, and permanent, life-altering injuries.
What Went Wrong?
We organised an independent expert review of our client’s care and this expert concluded that both the original PCI procedure and the attempted rescue CABG intervention fell below an acceptable standard of care. The failings included:
- Inadequate angiographic assessment after the stent was deployed
- Incorrect positioning of the guide wire in the distal LAD
- Balloon inflations carried out when the guide wire may have been in a false channel (false lumen)
In simple terms: the artery was not properly assessed, the equipment was not positioned correctly, and critical steps were performed in a way that compromised the blood vessel.
Our experts concluded that, but for these unacceptable failings, the emergency bypass surgery would not have been required and the stroke would have been avoided.
Swift Legal Action Was Essential
Given the scale of our client’s injuries and her urgent need for rehabilitation and long-term care planning, it was vital that legal proceedings were progressed without delay.
Once proceedings were issued, the case moved quickly. Within six months, it concluded successfully at mediation.
The damages secured will assist in providing the care, support and adaptations our client now requires for the rest of her life.
Why This Case Matters
Medical negligence cases involving cardiac intervention are complex. They require detailed analysis of imaging, procedural technique, and causation. They also require specialist expert input and focused case management.
This case is a stark reminder that:
- “Routine” procedures still demand rigorous care
- Small technical errors can have enormous consequences like a domino effect
- When avoidable harm occurs, accountability matters