When Is a Cardiac Catheterization Procedure Gone Wrong a Potential Medical Malpractice Case?

At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, our experienced medical malpractice attorneys have successfully handled cases where cardiac catheterization errors led to severe harm. Contact our office for a free consultation at 833-997-1774 to learn more about your legal options and how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

What Is Cardiac Catheterization, and What Risks Are Involved?

Cardiac catheterization is a medical procedure in which a thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart to diagnose or treat heart conditions. It can involve diagnostic tests, stent placements, or clearing blocked arteries. While generally safe, the procedure carries risks, including:

• Bleeding or hematoma at the insertion site
• Blood vessel damage
• Heart attack or stroke
• Allergic reaction to contrast dye
• Infection

These risks are often unavoidable, even with the utmost care. However, some complications may arise due to medical negligence, potentially making it a malpractice case.

When Does a Complication from Cardiac Catheterization Become a Potential Malpractice Case?

Complications may qualify as medical malpractice if a deviation from the accepted standard of care causes them. For example:

• Improper patient screening: If the medical team fails to review the patient’s medical history or assess risks such as allergies to contrast dye or bleeding disorders, preventable complications could occur.
• Negligence during the procedure: Errors like perforating a blood vessel, using incorrect catheter sizes, or failing to properly place a stent can result in harm.
• Inadequate post-procedure monitoring: If signs of complications, such as internal bleeding, infection, or a stroke, are ignored or improperly managed, the outcome can worsen significantly.
• Equipment malfunction or misuse: Using defective equipment or failing to operate it correctly may lead to severe injuries or death.

For a case to qualify as malpractice, the patient must prove that the healthcare provider’s actions deviated from accepted medical practices and directly caused harm.

What Evidence is Needed to Prove Medical Malpractice in Cardiac Catheterization?

To establish a medical malpractice claim, patients must provide evidence of the following:

• A doctor-patient relationship existed: This is usually straightforward, as the procedure creates a clear relationship.
• Breach of the standard of care: Expert testimony from other medical professionals can demonstrate that the care provided fell below the accepted standards for cardiac catheterization.
• Causation: The patient must show that the medical provider’s negligence directly caused the injury or complication. For example, causation can be established if a patient develops a severe infection due to unsterilized equipment.
• Damages: Evidence of harm, such as medical bills, loss of income, pain and suffering, or long-term disability, must be documented.

Comprehensive medical records, procedural details, and expert opinions are critical in proving these elements.

What Are Common Examples of Malpractice During Cardiac Catheterization?

Some scenarios that could lead to a valid medical malpractice case include:

Failure to obtain informed consent: If a patient is not adequately informed of the risks associated with the procedure and suffers a known but undisclosed complication, it could constitute malpractice.

• Performing the procedure unnecessarily: Conducting the procedure when less invasive options were available or when it was contraindicated for the patient may indicate negligence.
• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: Using cardiac catheterization improperly to address a misdiagnosed condition may cause harm and expose the patient to unnecessary risks.
• Improper handling of emergency complications: If a medical emergency such as a heart attack or blood vessel rupture occurs during the procedure, failure to act promptly and competently may be grounds for a claim.

What Should I Do If I Suspect Malpractice After Cardiac Catheterization?

If you believe that negligence during your cardiac catheterization procedure caused harm, consider taking the following steps:

• Obtain your medical records: These can provide critical details about the procedure and any complications.
• Seek a second opinion: Consulting another medical professional can help confirm whether the outcome was preventable or caused by negligence.
• Document everything: Keep detailed notes on your symptoms, the care you received, and any communication with your healthcare provider.
• Consult a medical malpractice attorney: An experienced attorney can evaluate your case, gather expert opinions, and guide you through the legal process.

Remember, Virginia has a statute of limitations for filing medical malpractice claims, typically two years from the date of the injury or when the injury was discovered. Acting promptly is crucial to preserving your rights.

How Can Your Personal Injury Law Firm Help?

If you believe a doctor’s mistake has caused you harm, it is critical to act quickly. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, our medical malpractice attorneys represent victims of surgical errors and medical negligence. We offer free, confidential consultations and represent clients on a contingency-fee-basis—meaning you won’t pay any legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Contact our office today at 833-997-1774 to schedule your free consultation with a doctor malpractice lawyer, and let us help you understand your legal options.