This case involves a male patient who underwent an aortic valve replacement. After the operation, he reported feeling severe chest pain. Shortly thereafter, the patient was given an x-ray which showed a buildup of fluid in his lungs. The patient eventually went into renal failure and coded. Resuscitation attempts were made but he never regained consciousness. An autopsy was performed and the cause of death was determined to be due to a blockage of the coronary ostium from the aortic valve graft and adherent thrombosis. It was alleged that a failed stitch in the patient’s aortic valve compromised the ostium. An expert cardiothoracic surgeon was sought to review the records and opine on the standard of care.
