Heart patient was ‘left with 15 inch wire in arm’

APENSIONER suffered “horrific pain” after a 15inch wire was left in his arm, following surgery for a heart condition.

David Fortes, 75, from Redruth, was rushed to Truro’s Royal Cornwall Hospital, having suffered a second cardiac episode in just four months. The following day he was taken into surgery for what is known as a rotablation, during which incisions are made to both wrists, and a wire with a drill on the end is used to clear the blockage in the artery before a stent is inserted.

Despite some pain, discomfort and swelling in his arms following the operation, he was under the impression that it had gone well, and, as he was unable to have visitors due to the pandemic, he was pleased to be informed by his medical team that he was able to go home the next morning.

However, in the weeks that followed, Mr Fortes’ left arm did not improve, and after some difficulty seeking medical advice he was told he may have suffered some tissue damage. A further visit to his GP for an appointment which took place through a car window resulted in the same diagnosis, and he was advised to keep an eye on it and to get back in touch if the symptoms continued.

Almost three months after his original surgery, he suffered a third cardiac event, and it was then that the cardiologist performing the procedure found the wire which had been left in his arm.

The retired painter and decorator (pictured above) has now instructed medical law experts to investigate the care he received, and whether more could have been done to prevent his injuries.

His lawyer, Jodie Cook, said that both the so-called ‘never event’, and the subsequent care he received, were “deeply concerning”. ‘Never events’ are described as ‘serious, largely preventable patient-safety incidents’ that should not occur if healthcare providers have ‘implemented existing national guidance or safety recommendations’.

Speaking of his ordeal, Mr Fortes said that, while he was “deeply aware and sympathetic” to the pressure that the NHS has been under throughout the coronavirus pandemic, he was also “deeply distressed” by the lack of follow-up care and compassion he had received.

He said: “When I underwent the surgery, I was very aware of the pressure that the NHS was under, and I was extremely grateful to my medical team for acting so quickly to treat my heart condition.

“However, when things started to go wrong during my recovery, and the pain I was experiencing was getting quite horrific, I found it very difficult to find someone who would take my concerns seriously, and despite multiple attempts to see someone I was simply fobbed off.

Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust has apologised to Mr Fortes, and has said he had been offered a meeting with the cardiologist of his choice. “We want to understand what happened and we will improve our procedures and practices if we can, having listened to Mr Fortes and the team who cares for him,” the hospital said.

“We are always here for Mr Fortes to speak with us.”