On October 3, 2019, James J. Girvan, assisted by Senior Counsel, Ann D. Schattner, secured a defense verdict on behalf of a Nassau County cardiology group, and its electrophysiologist in the Supreme Court, Nassau County. The action was brought on behalf of a then 49 year old married male, father of three, with recalcitrant superventricular tachycardia for the alleged negligent care and treatment he received during the course of a coronary ablation performed at a local community hospital. The procedure was complicated by a puncture of the aorta with resultant repair and aortic valve replacement.
Plaintiff’s counsel argued that the EP had advanced the needle without confirming the location of the needle and dilator, and that it was a departure for a sheath to advance to plug a hole even in an emergency, rather than using a guidewire and discussing the case earlier with a cardiothoracic surgeon.
The defense argued the procedure was properly performed with the use of ICE and fluoroscopy, though he experienced a rare but known complication, timely and appropriately treated preventing the patient from exsanguination and death.
After a trial that spanned 3 weeks, the jury returned a unanimous defense verdict in favor of our clients.
