Chula Vista, California — A civil lawsuit filed against Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center claims that a physician’s order for a patient to receive an immediate chest X-ray was delayed for over ten hours, contributing to the patient’s death from a pulmonary embolism, which is a serious condition caused by a blood clot in the lungs.
The case, while centered on one individual, highlights a larger issue within healthcare regarding the urgency of diagnosing and treating conditions that can prove fatal if not addressed promptly. An estimate from the National Blood Clot Alliance suggests that someone dies from a blood clot every six minutes in the United States.
Medical experts report that the likelihood of blood clots forming increases significantly during hospital stays, particularly in the deep veins of the legs. Even brief admissions, lasting from one to three days, can elevate the risk for conditions such as deep venous thrombosis (DVT). This risk persists even after patients leave the hospital, underscoring the importance of ongoing preventive strategies.
Andrew Gabor, a 38-year-old patient, faced increasing health challenges during a hospital stay in Denver for a severe infection. Medical records indicate that Gabor had type 2 diabetes, a factor that complicated his recovery. His sister, Maria Healey, took him to live with her in Chula Vista to support his convalescence and help him maintain his job and health insurance.
Healey noted that Gabor began suffering from debilitating back pain that intensified over several days, eventually leading to an emergency room visit. Imaging scans revealed he had a large herniated disc in addition to narrowing of the spine. He was admitted to Sharp Chula Vista on February 16, 2024, and underwent spine surgery a week later.
Following the surgery, Gabor began physical therapy but experienced acute distress ten days post-operation. He reported severe chest pain and racing heartbeats, symptoms that escalated his anxiety. When Healey visited him the following day, she noticed a drastic decline in his condition before he passed away on March 4, 2024. The cause of death was later determined to be bilateral pulmonary embolism.
Concerns about the quality of care rendered during Gabor’s hospital stay have left Healey feeling disillusioned. She cited instances of unresponsiveness from the nursing staff and raised questions about the decision not to transfer him to intensive care when he first exhibited chest pain. A year-long investigation by the California Department of Public Health revealed that a CT angiogram of Gabor’s chest was conducted twelve hours after it was ordered, significantly exceeding the expected response time to a STAT request.
The investigation found that while hospital policies did not clearly define the urgency of such orders, staff had a general understanding that it needed to be completed quickly. Conversations with hospital personnel confirmed that timely action was expected, creating a basis for Healey’s lawsuit alleging wrongful death, negligence, and abuse, which was filed in July in San Diego Superior Court.
Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center declined to comment on the ongoing litigation, citing standard practice concerning pending cases. Following her brother’s death, Healey turned to the internet for insights and discovered alarming statistics from the National Blood Clot Alliance. Reports show that blood clots lead to an estimated 100,000 to 300,000 fatalities annually in the U.S., surpassing deaths from AIDS, breast cancer, and car accidents combined.
The website informed her about the common signs of blood clots and how awareness can be critical. Dr. Rushad Patel, an oncologist, reviewed Gabor’s medical records and indicated that the likely cause of his pulmonary embolism was a prior DVT. He highlighted the importance of proactive measures against blood clots, such as patient mobility and the use of anticoagulants, especially for high-risk individuals.
Gabor did receive DVT prophylaxis during his hospital admission, including compression socks, which were not adequately explained to him. Healey lamented that no formal risk assessment appeared to have been conducted upon Gabor’s admission to the hospital.
Families should feel empowered to inquire about clot prevention measures, as directly engaging healthcare staff can foster better outcomes. By asking questions, family members can indicate the significance of preventive care and their willingness to advocate for their loved ones.
This tragic case serves as a sobering reminder of the critical importance of timely medical interventions and patient advocacy within healthcare settings.
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