Saddle Embolism Kills Man After Hospital Discharge

ByMichael Talve, CEO

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Updated onOctober 27, 2017

Saddle Embolism Kills Man After Hospital Discharge

This case involves a forty-nine-year-old male patient who presented to the hospital complaining of right calf pain and an episode of dizziness associated with a brief loss of consciousness. A CT scan of the head showed the patient had an active bleed in the right cerebellum and a workup for a deep venous thrombosis was positive in the right lower limb. A Bard Recovery Filter was placed as a precaution and the patient was taken off anticoagulants due to his brain bleed. Three days into his admission, the patient complained of shortness of breath and severe chest pain. A pulmonary embolism was suspected and the patient was placed back on anticoagulants with close monitoring of his INR levels. The patient was discharged from the hospital after he was deemed to be medically stable but was found dead two days later in his home. The cause of death was a saddle pulmonary thromboembolus.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Was this patient monitored long enough before being discharged?

Expert Witness Response E-005947

inline imageI believe this patient was discharged too soon and proper cogulation stability was not yet reached. Patients may have treatment initiated using concomitant warfarin and unfractionated heparin for five days in the hospital, with discharge on warfarin alone when the international normalized ratio (INR) is two. Alternatively, patients may be discharged on concomitant therapy with a LMWH and warfarin for at least five days. The LMWH is then discontinued in the outpatient setting when the INR reaches two.

About the author

Michael Talve, CEO

Michael Talve, CEO

Michael Talve stands at the forefront of legal innovation as the CEO and Managing Director of Expert Institute. Under his leadership, the Expert Institute has established itself as a vital player in the legal technology arena, revolutionizing how lawyers connect with world-class experts and access advanced legal technology. Michael's role involves not only steering the company's strategic direction but also ensuring the delivery of unparalleled intelligence and cutting-edge solutions to legal professionals. His work at Expert Institute has been instrumental in enhancing the capabilities of attorneys in case preparation and execution, making a significant impact on the legal industry's approach to expert consultation and technological integration. Michael's vision and execution have positioned the Expert Institute as a key facilitator in the intersection of law and technology.

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