1. A man who had spine surgery in 2017 is suing University of California San Diego alleging he woke up during the four-hour procedure. Months after his surgery, the man learned his anesthesiologist was found after the procedure unconscious and surrounded by empty syringes of sufentanil, an opioid. The patient alleged the former head of anesthesia, a nurse anesthetist and UCSD covered up Mr. Hay’s drug addiction, falsified records and lied about what happened. The case went to trial Jan. 17.
2. A woman is suing Casper-based Wyoming Medical Center and two physicians for wrongful death on behalf of her husband who had spine surgery in 2018. The case went to trial Jan. 17. The woman alleged Lee Warren, MD, tore her late husband’s abdominal aorta near his lower spine, causing “undiagnosed hemorrhaging.” The patient was in a state of shock after surgery, required additional surgery and died in the intensive care unit.
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
