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Warmerdam BWCM, van der Vorst JR, van Schaik J, Hamming JF. Lessons Learned from Dutch Medical Disciplinary Law Regarding Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection Care. Ann Vasc Surg 2024; 109:20-34. [PMID: 39009120 DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2024.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current study is an explanatory analysis of Dutch disciplinary law regarding aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection care. We aim to give insight in the way disciplinary judges rule on quality of care and to extract the lessons to be learned. METHODS The online open-access governmental database, which includes all disciplinary rulings since 2010, was searched using search terms related to aortic aneurysm and dissection care. First, abstracts were screened for relevance. Thereafter, the full text of all remaining cases was read. Cases related to the diagnosis, treatment, or the postoperative phase of an aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection were included. Characteristics were registered and analyzed for quantitative assessment. Each case was summarized and coded for qualitative analysis. RESULTS Forty-eight first-instance cases were included, of which 19 (40%) were founded. Reprimands (n = 9) and warnings (n = 7) were the prevailing measures. Seven out of 8 appeal cases filed by plaintiffs were unfounded. Six out of 9 appeals filed by defendants were adjudged and led to a less severe measure. Most cases concerned the subject of 'wrong treatment/wrong diagnosis' (75%). Whether not recognizing an aneurysm or dissection led to disciplinary culpability depended on case-specific circumstances, and much importance was attached to adequate documentation. In many complaints, an element of inadequate communication was recognized. CONCLUSIONS Patient-involvement, clear communication, and implementing changes after a mistake could increase patient satisfaction, avert complaints, and prevent time-consuming trials. Maintaining adequate documentation and having knowledge on the analytical framework of the court is beneficial when confronted with a complaint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britt W C M Warmerdam
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Joost R van der Vorst
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jan van Schaik
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap F Hamming
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Montisci R, Licciardi M, Cecchi R, Kondo T, Gerosa G, Casula R, Cecchetto G, Montisci M. Malpratice claims in cardiology and cardiac surgery: A medico-legal issue. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2023; 65:102319. [PMID: 37696211 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2023.102319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Medical liability has become a challenge in every physician's modern practice with the consequent loss of the physician's autonomy and an increase in "defensive medicine". From this perspective, the role of Legal Medicine in assessing medical liability has become increasingly specific and a homogenization of the methods of ascertainment is increasingly necessary, since such a process can contribute to strengthening the guarantees in professional liability procedures. Focusing on malpractice claims in the field of cardiology, the complexity of the management of cardiac pathologies and the frequency of severe adverse events implies the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach, together with the application of a shared ascertainment methodology. In particular, it is essential for the forensic pathologist to collaborate with experts in cardio-pathology, cardiology and/or cardiac surgery in cases of alleged medical liability in the cardiologic field and to follow the guidelines which have been produced to assist the expert dealing with deaths reflecting cardiac disease, in order to prevent criticism of case analysis in medico-legal environments and to promote the standardization of the structure of the juridical-legislative medical malpractice lawsuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Montisci
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - M Licciardi
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - R Cecchi
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Italy.
| | - T Kondo
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - G Gerosa
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - R Casula
- Clinical Cardiology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - G Cecchetto
- Legal Medicine and Toxicology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - M Montisci
- Legal Medicine and Toxicology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Sen I, Choudhry A, Cherukuri SK, Mendes BC, Colglazier JJ, Shuja F, DeMartino RR, Rasmussen TE, Kalra M. An Analysis of Malpractice Litigation of Vascular Surgeons in Cases Involving Aortic Pathologies. Vasc Endovascular Surg 2023; 57:350-356. [PMID: 36537051 DOI: 10.1177/15385744221146389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to analyze malpractice claims for aortic pathologies and to assess if there has been a change in rate of malpractice lawsuits with evolution of endovascular therapy. METHODS Malpractice lawsuits were individually screened and compiled from the Westlaw database from 2000 to 2017 through use of relevant search terms. Data were collected of allegations, diagnoses, and outcomes of each case and compared. RESULTS 268 unique cases were included in this study, with aneurysms (54%, n = 145) and dissection (35%, n = 94) making up the majority. There was a defendant verdict in 53% (n = 141), plaintiff verdict in 24% (n = 65), and settlements in 23% (n = 62) of lawsuits. Litigation was higher in the Midwest and Northeast. There was a gradual decline in litigation overall, however endovascular case numbers remained constant. There was negligible difference in the primary allegation underlying the litigation for various aortic pathologies, time to litigation and award between open and endovascular procedures. CONCLUSION The proportion of litigation for clinical negligence in endovascular cases amongst all vascular surgical lawsuits is increasing. As novel methods of endovascular therapy emerge, it is imperative that physicians remain vigilant to legal considerations to minimize malpractice risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrani Sen
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Asad Choudhry
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Sai Kiran Cherukuri
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Bernardo C Mendes
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jill J Colglazier
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Fahad Shuja
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Randall R DeMartino
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Todd E Rasmussen
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Manju Kalra
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Li L, Wu W, Xu N, Zhao Q, Guo W. Treatment and referral experiences of patients with type A aortic dissection and their families: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e064247. [PMID: 36806069 PMCID: PMC9943915 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to analyse the experiences and feelings of patients with type A aortic dissection (TAAD) and their families during the medical treatment and referral process, investigate the entire process's needs and problems and provide evidence for improving the aortic dissection treatment system. DESIGN A qualitative descriptive design using a phenomenological study. Face-to-face semistructured interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview data, which was transcribed verbatim. SETTING Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of Shanxi Bethune Hospital in China. PARTICIPANTS Fifteen family groups, consisting of patients with TAAD who underwent surgical treatment and their families, were selected. RESULTS Three primary themes were discussed and developed. Theme 1: the experiences of medical treatment and referral (confusion at the onset; complex inner feelings and emotional expressions of the medical treatment and referral; preoperative inner conflict); theme 2: problems with the TAAD medical treatment system (the quality of diagnosis and medical treatment needs to be improved; deficiency of medical system policies and procedures); and theme 3: real demands (demands for TAAD-related knowledge and access to the disease; economic-related demands). CONCLUSION Patients with TAAD and their families encounter complex inner experiences, multiple requirements and numerous challenges during the medical treatment and referral process. It is advised that the treatment and referral system of TAAD in China needs to be improved. Future research and clinical practice should standardise diagnosis and treatment training, establish a fast channel for TAAD to prioritise treatment, popularise aortic dissection-related knowledge and improve the funding system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Wenxian Wu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Na Xu
- Department of Central Surgery Department, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qing Zhao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Wanpeng Guo
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
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Cameron PA, Mitra B, Kelly AM. Zero risk is not possible in emergency medicine. Emerg Med Australas 2023; 35:4-5. [PMID: 36645835 DOI: 10.1111/1742-6723.14140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Cameron
- Emergency and Trauma Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Biswadev Mitra
- Emergency and Trauma Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,National Trauma Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anne-Maree Kelly
- Joseph Epstein Centre for Emergency Medicine Research, Western Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine - Western Health, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Review of Malpractice Litigation in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Venous & Lymphatic Disease. Ann Vasc Surg 2022; 88:274-282. [PMID: 35926792 DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Malpractice claims involving nonthrombotic venous and lymphatic diseases and interventions have not been previously reported. We investigated common reasons for litigation, medical specialties involved, patient injuries, and case outcomes in malpractice litigation involving venous and lymphatic disease. METHODS Litigation cases entered into the Westlaw database from June 8th, 1984 to February 15th, 2018 were analyzed. Search terms included relevant words and phrases related to nonthrombotic venous, thoracic outlet syndrome and lymphatic disease and treatment. Data on physician specialty, malpractice claims, patient injuries jury outcomes, amount awarded to the plaintiff, and jury fees were collected and compared for each category. RESULTS A total of 144 cases were identified. 41 cases involved varicose veins, 11 spider veins, 35 thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), 17 other venous diseases, and 40 lymphatic disease. Physician defendants were frequently vascular surgeons (23%) and general surgeons (15%). The majority of litigation claims involved "post-procedure complication" (77%), "lack of informed consent" (25%), "failure to diagnose & treat" (15%), and "intraoperative complications" (13%). The most common injuries were skin damage (27.8%), nerve damage (25%), and lymphedema (24%). Patient death occurred in 6% of cases. Out of venous malpractice cases with post-procedure complications, stab phlebectomy (27%) was the most common intervention followed by foam sclerotherapy (21%), rib resection (21%), laser spider vein removal (5%), and EVLT (3%). Of varicose vein cases, 15% included deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism as post-procedure complications. In TOS rib resections, 65% of cases referenced nerve damage and 12% involved arterial injury. For lymphatic disease cases, general surgeons were frequently identified defendants (25%). Lymphedema (93%) and lymphangitis (7%) occurred as post-procedure complications after breast, gynecologic, orthopedic, and radiation procedures. A majority of complications occurred after breast cases (40%). Verdicts overall ruled in favor of the defendant in 71% (102/144) of cases and the plaintiff in 20% (29/144) of cases. Out of cases ruled in favor of the plaintiff, 31% were lymphatics, 24% varicose veins, and 24% TOS cases. Only 8% (12/144) of cases were settled and one outcome was unknown. The mean award was $820,193 (SD $1,226,008, Range $12,853 - $6,500,000). CONCLUSIONS The majority of venous and lymphatic litigation cases involve claims of post-procedure complications. Venous complications occurred after open and endovascular treatment of varicose veins, spider vein treatment, and surgical management of TOS. Lymphedema occurred after breast, oncology, and orthopedic procedures. These cases reflect opportunities for intervention to help potentially prevent litigation.
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Laukkavirta M, Blomgren K, Väärämäki S, Nikulainen V, Helmiö P. Compensated Patient Injuries in the Treatment of Abdominal Aortic and Iliac Artery Aneurysms in Finland: A Nationwide Patient Insurance Registry Study. Ann Vasc Surg 2021; 80:283-292. [PMID: 34758376 DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2021.08.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patient injury claims data and insurance records provide detailed information on patient injuries. This study aimed to identify the errors and adverse events that led to patient injuries in vascular surgery for the treatments of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and iliac artery aneurysms (IAA) in Finland. The study also assessed the severity and preventability of the injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective analysis of Finnish Patient Insurance Centre's insurance charts of compensated patient injuries in the treatment of AAA and IAA. Records of all compensated patient injury claims involving AAA and IAA between 2004 and 2017 inclusive were reviewed. Contributing factors to injury were identified and classified. The injuries were assessed for their preventability by using the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist correctly. The degree of harm was graded by Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS Twenty-six patient injury incidents were identified in the treatment of 23 patients. Typical injuries involved delays in diagnosis or treatment, errors in surgical technique or injuries to adjacent anatomic organs. Three (13.0%) patients died due to patient injury. Two deaths were caused by delays in diagnosis of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) and the third death was due to missed diagnosis of post-operative myocardial infarction. Retained foreign material caused injuries to two (8.7%) patients. One (4.3%) patient had a severe postoperative infection. Three (13.0%) patients experienced an injury to an adjacent organ. One patient had a bilateral and another a unilateral above-the-knee amputation due to patient injury. Three injuries were considered preventable. Most harms were grade IIIb Clavien-Dindo classification in which injured patients required a surgical intervention under general anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS Compensated patient injuries involving the treatment of AAA and IAA are rare, but are often serious. Injuries were identified during all stages of care. Most injuries involved open surgical procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minna Laukkavirta
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Kanta-Häme Central Hospital and University of Turku, Hämeenlinna, Finland.
| | | | - Suvi Väärämäki
- Centre for Vascular Surgery and Interventional Radiology, Tampere University Hospital and University of Tampere, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Tampere, Finland
| | - Veikko Nikulainen
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Päivi Helmiö
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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