Interventional radiologist found not negligent in patient’s death — Defense verdict

Type of action: Medical malpractice

Injuries alleged: Wrongful death

Court: Fredericksburg Circuit Court

Case no.: CL20000201

Tried before: Jury

Name of judge or mediator: Judge Sarah Deneke

Date resolved: 5/21/2021

Special damages: Approximately $187,000

Demand: $2,100,000

Verdict or settlement: Verdict

Amount: Defense ($0)

Attorneys for defendant (and city): Robert Donnelly and Robyn Ayres, Glen Allen

Description of case: Plaintiff alleged that the defendant interventional radiologist was negligent in the performance of a percutaneous radiographic gastrojejunostomy (feeding tube placement) in May 2018. Plaintiff’s experts opined that the defendant’s use of only one t-anchor during placement was negligent and caused undue tension on the stomach resulting in a gastric perforation and death. Plaintiff’s expert further opined that the standard of care required additional post-procedure orders to monitor the patient for 48 hours and not fully use the feeding tube until that time. The defendants’ expert opined that the use of one t-anchor is well within the standard of care and in the best interest of the patient in certain circumstances, including this one. The defendants’ expert also disagreed with the contention that the t-anchor carries the weight of the stomach after dilation of the balloon on the feeding tube. The defendants’ surgery expert opined that the patient likely died as a result of bacteria in her blood resulting from her complicated course prior to the feeding tube placement.