Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 8/27/2008

Question
My mother had a stent placed to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm. She had an intraoperative heart attack and the surgeon indicated that it was due to the failure of the anesthesiologist to resuscitate her quickly enough. I don't understand what this means. Could you explain it?
Thanks,
Debbie

Answer
Sounds to me like passing blame! Obviously without looking at the chart I can't tell exactly what happened but generally, for these procedures it is a percutaneous placement so it is not as involved as the old open method. As to why she had an intraoperative MI, I couldn't tell you. If her blood pressure was excessively high (or low) and wasn't treated, then the surgeon MIGHT be right. The anesthesiologist's job is to monitor the vital signs and treat the problems. If they didn't do that, then they may be responsible for her MI.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston