The Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Inquest Report

 

 

Pre-operative condition

Jessica was admitted to the HSC on Wednesday, March 23. The cardiology note written by Dr. Salvador described Jessica as being well hydrated with no congestive heart failure. However, she had lost 500 grams since her last examination at VCHC. He wrote, "She definitely looks wasted. Fit for the OR - need to observe for stools here." (Exhibit 13, page ULI 54)

The pre-operative physiotherapy assessment indicated that Jessica had good air entry, with a clear chest. No pre-operative concerns were identified. Reimer, the anaesthetist, reviewed the chart and examined Jessica. He wrote, "Increased risk due to age, weight, CHF. Proceed as planned." (Exhibit 13, page ULI 67)

A chest X-ray done that day showed an enlarged heart with a prominent increase in pulmonary blood flow (as compared with February 16). There were new added densities suggesting atelectasis and possibly some edema in the lung tissue. This was a sign of potential chest problems that could become more severe following surgery.

 

 

Current Home - Table of Contents - Chapter 6 - Pre-operative condition
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Previous The decision to operate
Section 1 Chapter 1 - Introduction to the Issues
  Chapter 2 - Pediatric Cardiac Issues
  Chapter 3 - The Diagnosis of Pediatric Heart Defects and their Surgical Treatment
  Chapter 4 - The Health Sciences Centre
Section 2 Chapter 5 - Pediatric Cardiac Surgery in Winnipeg 1950-1993
  Chapter 6 - The Restart of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery in 1994
January 1, 1994 to May 17, 1994
  Chapter 7 - The Slowdown
May 17 to September 1994
  Chapter 8 - Events Leading to the Suspension of the Program
September 7, 1994 to December 23, 1994
  Chapter 9 - 1995 - The Aftermath of the Shutdown
January to March, 1995
Section 3 Chapter 10 - Findings and Recommendations
Appendix 1 - Glossary of terms used in this report
Appendix 2 - Parties to the Proceedings and counsel
Appendix 3 - List of witnesses and dates of testimony
Diagrams
Tables
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