need help

[pleasures661]

My mother had a mitral valve replacement , on the operation table half way through the op the cannular in the right groin had dislodged .. the surgeon attempted to recannulate into the same vien with no success. His explanation was that he thought the fixation of the arterial line was adequate with the line sutured to the skin. I know that this is a known complication but very rare , in saying this my mum suffered hypoxia . The down time was 13-15min. My question why did it take so long and why didnt he go to the left leg which he eventually did, even knowing that there would be damage? Why did the cannular dislodge? what could of been the cause? as I am getting no answers here in Australia from any heart surgeon I am coming to you for help ... There also was no report of any particular high line pressures, there was some disease noted in the right femoral and iliac arteries but with satisfactory flows,.Why would you use a disease artery to cannulate? Does the postion of the cannular make a big difference? should it been postion elsewhere? Did he demonstrate the requiste care and skill in the conduct of the operation? Did he fail to detect or reinstate it in a timely manner?

[kenkeith]

I assume you are referring to groin cannulation.

The cannula is placed in the appropriate position using X-ray equipment and sometimes the cannula can dislodge plaque creating debris.  I would think that is inevitable considering a stiff tube is coming in contact with any obstruction in the lumen.  The doctor should be able to see the pictures on the video screens, and make the appropriate decisions.

You are asking questions that may have to be answered by another surgeon or court system to establish liability.  Also, to be successful a lawsuit there must be damages...another expert opinion. The fact you are not getting any information can indicate something happened that may make the treating parties culpable...difficult to know!

Sorry to hear of your mother's experience, and you should discuss the matter with a professional.  Thanks for sharing.

[ed34]

I've just realised you could be talking of a bypass machine?

[ed34]

I am confused by your description of the procedure. Was the mitral valve replaced using angioplasty and they went through the femoral artery? or, was it open heart surgery and the cannular in discussion was simply for medication?