Woman, 70, dies after surgical tube left in heart, Hong Kong hospital (mildly) rapped

A Hong Kong hospital has been advised to review its procedures after a 70-year-old woman died when a surgical tube was left in her heart.

Yan Chai Hospital (YCH) has revealed the findings of an independent investigation into the incident which saw a woman in their care die on March 16.

The patient, who had a known history of diabetic nephropathy, hypertension, atrial fibrillation and coronary heart disease, underwent an operation by the YCH cardiac team at Princess Margaret Hospital on March 10.

During the procedure, three stents (tubes used to expand arteries) were inserted into various channels around the woman’s heart.

One stent failed to expand properly on insertion, and was subsequently removed by the team… or so they thought. 

It was not until the next day when another, seemingly brighter, team of cardiologists noticed the patient looking a little off colour.

They found and removed the remaining stent, but the elderly woman died five days later on March 16.

The investigating panel yesterday decided that the first cardiac team lacked vigilance (you don’t say) and did not make proper use of imaging equipment.

Their recommendations, which YCH has agreed to employ, are:

1/ Enhance staff vigilance during the procedure (pay attention)

2/ Establish a standard of practice for staff to follow during and after the stent deployment process (take the stent out as a standard practice)

3/ Consider using alternative measures during and after procedure to confirm proper deployment of stent (make DOUBLE sure you didn’t leave it in)

4/ Establish a robust training system for staff’s further development (tell others the big news)

YCH expressed the deepest deepest condolences to the deceased woman’s family.
 
 


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