February 22, 2011 – Los Angeles – The University of Southern California University Hospital suspended its kidney transplant program on Jan. 29 after a patient received a kidney transplant in error. The Los Angeles Times reports that the kidney, which miraculously was a close enough match to not cause serious harm, was transplanted into the wrong patient. The hospital immediately suspended kidney transplants as soon as the error was discovered. Investigations began immediately to determine the complete scope of the medical error, although the hospital declined to give details on the nature of the error.
They did confirm that the patients involved in the medical error were not harmed. Depending on the results of the investigations, the kidney transplant program may resume by the end of the month. During the investigations the clinical protocols were assessed and additional safeguards were developed to prevent a medical error such as this from happening again. The program review also includes validation of corrective action plans by staff from the United Network for Organ Sharing, including other transplant surgeons.
Organ transplants are delicate operations that can result in medical malpractice when proper protocol and attention to detail is neglected. Because compatibility with organs is a sensitive matter it is much too easy to create grave complications if the wrong organ is transplanted into a patient. If you or a loved one has suffered injury due to misconduct with an organ transplant procedure you should contact a New York medical malpractice attorney.
Contacting a New York Medical Malpractice Lawyer
At Gacovino Lake & Associates we have formed a dedicated network of medical malpractice lawyers to serve clients nationwide for their injury claims. Our New York office serves residents of the 5 boroughs with their auto accident, medical malpractice, defective product, premises liability, and Workers’ Compensation claims. For experienced help when filing your medical malpractice claim, contact us today – 1-800-246-4878.
