As Orlando medical malpractice lawyers, we handle claims involving children with arrhythmias that undergo cardiac catheterization, pacemaker implantation and other procedures. Sadly, a failure to plan for complications and a failure to ensure pediatric sized instrumentation are readily available can lead to tragic results. In our experience, physicians and hospitals have no valid excuse to subject a child to an unwarranted procedure in a catheterization (cath) lab; or to perform a procedure when the cath lab is understaffed or ill-equipped for pediatric patients.
It is well known that sinus tachycardia and supraventricular tachycardia are two of the most commonly reported arrhythmias; while bradycardia or an abnormally slow heart rate, accounts for a much smaller percentage of pediatric cases. In many cases, emergency department doctors are often the first line of evaluation and management. It is essential that ER doctors properly diagnosis the particular type of arrhythmia involved; and considers the appropriateness of further diagnostic testing and cardiology consultation. Cases of unstable arrhythmias in children are rare, and the literature describes most rhythm disturbances in this age group as being well-tolerated. Therefore, when called upon by parents to review the medical care provided, we consider the appropriateness of the therapeutic steps taken with their child, as well as, the actual techniques used for any procedures.
When the sinus node or the heart’s natural pacemaker fails in some significant way, the need for medical intervention creates opportunities for careless medical practice. If medication therapy fails, the patient worsens or suffers syncope; specialists may consider catheterization and/or implantation of a pacemaker. Unfortunately, this is precisely where errors can lead to life-changing consequences.
Few parents would ever imagine their child going into respiratory arrest during a cardiac catheterization procedure due to physician mistakes. Fewer parents could even contemplate a hospital setting which lacked the right instruments, equipment or staff to deal with a known, possible complication. Indeed, absent appropriate care and proper preparation, the cath lab can become a death trap for an innocent child. No child should be permitted to arrest to the point of neurological damage because of a perforation or other complication that could and should have been dealt with promptly.
Sadly, when malpractice occurs, the doctor‘s first response is to “cover-up” the incident. Healthcare providers have attempted to convince parents that “it just happened” and there was “nothing we could have done differently.” Of course, most parents would not have the knowledge to question how such an incident could occur. That is where an experienced malpractice attorney can help get to the truth. We know the questions to ask. It is critical to review the documentation to uncover the complication, the time of arrest, and what was done in response.
Orlando hospitals and doctors should provide excellent care for adults and children. Unfortunately, when bad medical care harms the innocent, these facilities and the careless health care providers should take responsibility. Unfortunately, that does not just happen. We have been able to discover the truth where others have failed. We cannot restore your child’s health, but we can often obtain the justice your child deserves. Don’t lose one more sleepless night…wondering…let us provide the peace of mind you and your family deserves.
