Cardiac catheterization is a commonly performed procedure used to diagnose and treat heart conditions by inserting a catheter through a blood vessel, typically in the wrist or groin, and guiding it to the heart. While most procedures are completed safely, serious complications can occur when healthcare providers fail to recognize warning signs or respond appropriately after the procedure.
Not every complication is medical malpractice. However, when doctors, nurses, or hospitals fail to monitor a patient properly, delay diagnosis of a developing injury, or ignore symptoms of internal bleeding or vascular damage, patients can suffer preventable harm. In these situations, injured patients may have grounds to pursue a cardiac catheterization complications lawsuit under Illinois medical malpractice law.
At Phillips Law Offices, we represent patients and families harmed by preventable medical errors involving cardiac procedures, including delayed diagnosis after heart procedures, femoral artery injuries, and other serious catheterization-related complications.
At Phillips Law Offices, we represent patients and families harmed by preventable medical errors involving cardiac procedures, including delayed diagnosis after heart procedures, femoral artery injuries, and other serious catheterization-related complications.
Common Cardiac Catheterization Injuries
Although cardiac catheterization is generally considered safe, complications can become life-threatening when warning signs are missed or treatment is delayed.
Femoral Artery Damage
The femoral artery is one of the most common access points for cardiac catheterization procedures. Improper catheter placement, excessive force, or failure to identify arterial injury can cause significant bleeding, reduced circulation, nerve damage, or permanent vascular complications. Cases involving femoral artery injury malpractice often arise when providers fail to recognize symptoms that require immediate intervention.
Hematoma
A hematoma occurs when blood collects outside a damaged blood vessel near the catheter insertion site. While small hematomas may resolve without treatment, larger hematomas can indicate ongoing bleeding and may require urgent medical attention. Failure to monitor swelling, bruising, or worsening pain can lead to serious complications.
Pseudoaneurysm
A pseudoaneurysm develops when blood leaks from an injured artery and collects in surrounding tissue, creating a dangerous bulge connected to the artery. Prompt diagnosis is critical because untreated pseudoaneurysms can rupture or cause significant blood loss. Many malpractice claims involve pseudoaneurysm misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis despite clear symptoms such as groin pain, swelling, or a pulsating mass.
Infection
Infections at the catheter insertion site can spread rapidly if not recognized and treated. Medical providers must follow sterile procedures and monitor patients for signs of infection after discharge. Delayed treatment may lead to sepsis, extended hospitalization, or permanent injury.
Delayed Diagnosis of Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding is among the most serious complications following cardiac catheterization. Falling blood pressure, increasing pain, dizziness, weakness, and abnormal laboratory findings may indicate a developing hemorrhage. When healthcare providers fail to investigate these symptoms promptly, patients may suffer severe injury or death.
When Does a Complication Become Medical Negligence?
Not every adverse outcome after cardiac catheterization constitutes malpractice. Some complications occur even when medical providers follow accepted standards of care.
Medical negligence may occur when healthcare providers fail to recognize or respond appropriately to known risks associated with the procedure.
Examples may include:
- Failure to monitor a patient after catheterization
- Ignoring complaints of groin pain, swelling, or worsening symptoms
- Failure to order diagnostic imaging, such as Doppler ultrasound, when vascular injury is suspected
- Delayed diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm or internal bleeding
- Delayed surgical or vascular intervention
- Premature discharge despite warning signs of complications
In many cases, the key issue is not that a complication occurred, but that medical professionals failed to identify and treat it within an appropriate timeframe.
Our Results
$3 Million Settlement for 46-Year-Old Man
Phillips Law Offices recently secured a $3 million settlement for a 46-year-old man who suffered serious complications following a cardiac catheterization procedure. After experiencing difficulties with closure of the femoral artery, the patient developed a large hematoma and ongoing internal bleeding.
Although providers were concerned about continued bleeding, diagnostic imaging was not ordered until several days later, when an ultrasound revealed a large femoral artery pseudoaneurysm requiring emergency surgery. The patient later developed a severe infection that required additional surgeries, including skin grafting and muscle flap reconstruction, and continues to live with chronic pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
A pseudoaneurysm is a blood-filled bulge that develops when an artery is injured and blood leaks into surrounding tissue. It most commonly occurs near the catheter insertion site and may cause pain, swelling, bruising, or a pulsating mass. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent serious complications.
Not necessarily. A complication becomes medical malpractice only when healthcare providers fail to meet accepted standards of care. Examples may include failing to monitor the patient, ignoring warning signs, delaying diagnostic testing, or failing to provide timely treatment after a complication develops.
Doctors should closely monitor for swelling, increasing pain, bleeding, bruising, low blood pressure, dizziness, weakness, changes in circulation, and signs of infection. These symptoms may indicate internal bleeding, arterial injury, pseudoaneurysm, or other serious complications requiring immediate evaluation.
Most Illinois medical malpractice cases take several months to several years depending on the complexity of the medical issues, the number of parties involved, and whether the case settles or proceeds to trial. An attorney can provide a more accurate timeline after reviewing the circumstances.
Compensation may include medical expenses, future treatment costs, lost income, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, disability-related losses, and other damages resulting from the injury. The specific value of a claim depends on the severity of the harm and its long-term impact.
Speak With a Chicago Cardiac Catheterization Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one suffered serious complications following a cardiac catheterization procedure, Phillips Law Offices can help determine whether medical negligence played a role. Our attorneys work with medical experts to investigate delayed diagnoses, vascular injuries, pseudoaneurysms, internal bleeding, and other preventable complications.
Call Phillips Law Offices today for a free consultation or complete our online contact form to discuss your potential claim. There are no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
