Kaiser Surgeon Cut Important Vein, Patient Says

12-12-2013 21:13:00

     LOS ANGELES (CN) - A Kaiser surgeon cut an important vein at a critical junction, and then sutured both parts incorrectly, restricting blood flow from the head and upper body into the heart, the patient claims in a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
     Sally Geurgues sued Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Marc J. Davidson, M.D., Gregory C. Thom, M.D. and Terence Mayers, M.D.
     In her complaint, Geurgues says a surgeon injured her innominate vein, damaging the junction between it and the superior vena cava, and then sutured it shut when trying to repair it. The suturing on the vena cava was also bungled, according to the complaint. The compromise in blood flow led to multiple hospitalizations, severe blood loss, coagulation problems, wound infections, respiratory failure and more, the complaint states.
     Plaintiff seeks general and special damages, medical expenses, past and future loss of wages and earning capacity, a declaration of defendants’ liability, prejudgment interest and costs of suit. She is represented by Michael L. Oran of Los Angeles.