Legal Question in Medical Malpractice in California

Regarding Surgery

Hello,

Recently, my grandmother underwent a triple-bypass surgery to open constricted arteries of the heart. She went through immense stress and pain, and even six months later, felt the after-effects/sickness from the surgery. This was a very difficult surgery on my grandmother and it was suppose to last a lot longer than one year. Now, after suffering from the bypass and the ailments from it, she again has a clogged artery. She was taken for a angioplasty and I was just wondering if there's any fault in this situation. Should she have undergone all the stress and troubles of that massive surgery only to have her arteries become clogged again only after one year?

Any help would be appreciated. It seems as though something like a triple bypass should last longer than that. My grandma also admits to an unprofessional conduct by the doctor himself. She described the doctor as being very cocky and not respectful of the difficulty of this surgery. My grandmother did not feel comfortable with the man and with the surgery in general. Was there any way of knowing how long something like an open heart surgery should last? Once again, any info is appreciated.


Asked on 9/08/07, 8:28 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Mitchell Roth MW Roth, Professional Law Corporation

Re: Regarding Surgery

It is unlikely that reocclusion of a cardiac artery is caused in any way by the bypass surgery. When a bypass is needed, its often a case of surgery or death. The underlying condition that caused the need for bypass doesn't end with the bypass. While medical malpractice is always possible, there is nothing about the situation you describe that would make me suspect malpractice.

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Answered on 9/10/07, 1:42 pm


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