Parker Waichman LLP

Kentucky Pediatric Heart Surgery Program to Resume Despite Lack of Answers in Infant Deaths

Kentucky Children’s Hospital has announced the reopening of its pediatric heart surgery program, after an internal investigation following the deaths of five infants following heart surgeries. The hospital stopped the program and placed its pediatric surgeon on leave in 2012. Parents of the babies who died are concerned about the resumption of heart surgeries. CNN […]

Kentucky Children’s Hospital has announced the reopening of its pediatric heart surgery program, after an internal investigation following the deaths of five infants following heart surgeries. The hospital stopped the program and placed its pediatric surgeon on leave in 2012.

Parents of the babies who died are concerned about the resumption of heart surgeries. CNN Health reports that there does not seem to be a requirement that any medical governing body approve the decision to reopen the heart surgery unit. Dr. Michael Karpf, executive vice president for health affairs at the University of Kentucky’s health care system, said the decision rests with him. “The only person I need permission from is me.”

At the time Karpf put the pediatric heart surgery program on hold, he said the mortality rates “were OK, and OK isn’t good enough for me.” “It’s got to be better. It’s got to be good.” Karpf commissioned an internal report on the heart surgery program, CNN Health writes. Parents whose babies had died hoped the report might provide information about what went wrong. According to CNN Health, the report does not offer any explanation and, in fact, does not acknowledge the deaths at all. Kevin Allen, whose daughter Kalyn died in January 2012 asks, “How do you know when the problems have been fixed when they’re not identified?” Allen also questions whether an internal review is really objective.

The Kentucky attorney general took legal action to get the hospital to release mortality data for pediatric heart surgeries, and Kentucky Children’s eventually reported that patients at the hospital were dying after all heart surgeries at a rate more than double the national average: 7.1 percent at Kentucky Children’s compared with 3.2 percent nationally. Karpf won’t provide numbers for the hospital’s performance on specific heart procedures, though some hospitals put such information on their websites, according to CNN Health.

CNN Health reports that the hospital is hiring a new pediatric heart surgeon, plans a dedicated intensive care unit for heart surgery patients, and is considering a partnership with another hospital for pediatric heart surgeries. The hospital says it will no longer perform the most difficult types of heart surgeries.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Everyone I have been in contact with has been very professional, helpful and friendly. I'm sure it will be the same moving forward. Thank you.
Linda Mierisch
6 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Exceptional service ! Extremely knowledgeable. I was treated we respect and dignity everytime I spoke with the staff at Parker Waichman. I want to also thank Gina Viti for always taking my calls and answering all my questions. She was wonderful !
Christian Doran
4 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I am a 9/11 survivor and it was my good fortune to work with paralegal Benita Rollis. She thoroughly explained the process and helped me to complete all the paperwork. I distinctly remember the day she called to check on me and to encourage me to schedule a medical appointment with WTC health program. I was reluctant to proceed but Benita gave me a much needed pep talk. Thank you Benita! All of Benita’s hard work has made the difference and this has been concluded very favorably.
FredHart
2 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038