Failure To Obtain Neurology Consult Allegedly Causes Patient’s Stroke

ByWendy Ketner, M.D.

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Updated onApril 2, 2019

This case involves an 80-year-old female patient in Maryland with a past medical history of a stroke who went into the hospital for hip replacement surgery. The patient was taking daily ibuprofen but was told to discontinue the medication one week prior to the procedure. The hip replacement surgery was successfully completed and the patient was discharged home. Less than 2 hours after being discharged from the hospital, the patient collapsed. The patient’s granddaughter called 911 and EMS arrived within 15 minutes. The patient presented to the emergency room and was ordered a state CT. The CT revealed hemorrhaging but no area of infarct. However, an MRI was never obtained and no neurologist was consulted. The patient was transferred to a stroke center but passed away en route. It was alleged that a timely neurology consult could have changed the patient’s outcome.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Do you routinely treat patients similar to the one described in the case? Please explain.

2. What could have been done for the patient to avoid such an outcome?

Expert Witness Response E-007096

inline imageI have 25+ years of experience in vascular neurology. As the director of the stroke unit at a major hospital, I routinely treat stroke patients. Patients with high-risk profiles should be treated with a high level of suspicion to avoid such an outcome. I can certainly speak to the efficacy of administering anticoagulants or tPA for the patient as soon as possible. The quicker the intervention, the better the outcome. I have reviewed similar cases in the past and would be happy to review this case on behalf of the plaintiff.

About the author

Wendy Ketner, M.D.

Wendy Ketner, M.D.

Dr. Wendy Ketner is a distinguished medical professional with a comprehensive background in surgery and medical research. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs at the Expert Institute, she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the organization's most important client relationships. Dr. Ketner's extensive surgical training was completed at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, where she gained hands-on experience in various general surgery procedures, including hernia repairs, cholecystectomies, appendectomies, mastectomies for breast cancer, breast reconstruction, surgical oncology, vascular surgery, and colorectal surgery. She also provided care in the surgical intensive care unit.

Her research interests have focused on post-mastectomy reconstruction and the surgical treatment of gastric cancer, including co-authoring a textbook chapter on the subject. Additionally, she has contributed to research on the percutaneous delivery of stem cells following myocardial infarction.

Dr. Ketner's educational background includes a Bachelor's degree from Yale University in Latin American Studies and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. Moreover, she is a member of the Board of Advisors for Opollo Technologies, a fintech healthcare AI company, contributing her medical expertise to enhance healthcare technology solutions. Her role at Expert Institute involves leveraging her medical knowledge to provide insights into legal cases, underscoring her unique blend of medical and legal acumen.

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