Heparin Causes Double Amputation

Case Overview

This case takes place in Arizona and involves a female patient who underwent a minor surgical procedure. Prior to the procedure, the patient had been receiving anti-coagulation therapy. The patient was switched to Heparin for the procedure. Some time after the procedure was performed, the patient underwent another operation on her left arm. As part of pre-surgery testing, it was determined that the patient was in danger of a major medical event. Some time after the procedure, the patient developed multiple blood clots in her arms. As a consequence of the clots, the patient lost both of her arms. It is alleged that the patient was improperly monitored and inadequately treated for her clotting.