Facts

Dixie Thompson developed supraventricular tachycardia following her gastric bypass surgery. She received dialysis and artificial ventilation in the ICU. Thompson was then transferred to a separate unit for observation and intubated when she became non-responsive. Surgeons Kelly Francis, Mir Ali, and Peter Leport operated on Thompson again to place the gastronomy tube and perform an abdominal washout.

Francis performed an operation four days later to repair a perforated suture and place a drainage pipe. Five days later, Thompson received a tracheotomy. She suffered from respiratory distress six days later and died. Her husband, Kevin Thompson, sued Fountain Valley Regional Hospital, Francis, Ali, and Leport, alleging medical malpractice and wrongful death.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
The plaintiff contended the hospital and doctors were negligent in providing medical care to the decedent.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS:
The defendants contended the hospital staff and nurses provided excellent care and did not cause decedent's death.

Result

Defense.

Other Information

FILING DATE: April 8, 2004.

Poll

1-11 (that Dr. Ali was not negligent), 3-9 (that Dr. Francis was not negligent)