Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a blood clot, usually from the deep veins of the legs or pelvis, travels to the lungs and blocks a pulmonary artery. This obstruction can severely reduce oxygen flow to the lungs and other vital organs, leading to sudden death if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Unfortunately, PE is often misdiagnosed or not treated in time, making it a leading cause of preventable death in the United States.
Although popliteal artery aneurysm may initially cause no symptoms, it carries a high risk of clotting, rupture, or limb-threatening ischemia. Given these risks, timely diagnosis and intervention are crucial. Unfortunately, medical malpractice can occur when doctors fail to recognize or properly treat this condition, leading to catastrophic harm.
In November 2020, Kirt Anderson arrived at Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC) with acute limb ischemia, a condition where a sudden blockage cuts off blood flow to a limb. His right leg was cold, pulseless, and in severe pain—classic signs of a vascular emergency that required immediate action to save his limb.
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This can happen due to a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or a leaking or bursting blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Without prompt treatment, brain cells begin to die within minutes, leading to potentially devastating consequences.
Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body’s response to infection causes widespread inflammation, leading to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. Without prompt diagnosis and treatment, sepsis can progress rapidly, resulting in severe complications.
Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI) is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention to prevent catastrophic outcomes such as amputation or death. Unfortunately, when healthcare providers fail to recognize or adequately treat CLI in a timely manner, patients suffer unnecessary harm.
Acute limb ischemia (ALI) is a sudden blockage of blood flow to a limb, often caused by a blood clot or embolism, and requires emergency medical intervention. If left untreated for even a few hours, ALI can lead to permanent nerve damage, amputation, or death.
Therapeutic hypothermia, also known as targeted temperature management (TTM), is a medical treatment that involves lowering the body’s core temperature to protect the brain and other vital organs after a traumatic or ischemic event. In some cases, the need for therapeutic hypothermia may have resulted from medical negligence. Medical malpractice occurs when healthcare providers fail to provide the standard level of care, leading to preventable harm.
Vocal cord paralysis is a serious condition that can profoundly impact a person’s ability to speak and breathe. While it is often the result of surgical errors, it can also be caused by other forms of medical malpractice, including improper intubation, delayed diagnosis of nerve damage, or adverse effects from certain medications. In some cases, medical providers fail to recognize or address complications that lead to permanent vocal cord impairment.
An accurate medical diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective healthcare. When healthcare providers correctly identify a patient’s condition, they can prescribe appropriate treatments that promote healing and prevent further complications. Conversely, a misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary or harmful treatments, exacerbating the patient’s condition and potentially causing irreversible harm.
Sciatic nerve injuries are relatively rare but can have devastating consequences when they do occur. Estimates suggest that nerve injuries occur in approximately 0.2% to 2% of all surgical procedures involving the pelvis and lower extremities. However, the risk varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and the skill of the surgical team.
Radial nerve injuries during surgery are not very common, but they are a known risk. Research shows that about 1–3% of surgeries on the upper arm or shoulder may result in nerve damage. The chances of injury depend on factors like the complexity of the surgery and whether the patient has existing health issues, such as diabetes or nerve damage.
