Horror in Switzerland: Head of cardiology clinic linked to deaths of 70 patients, allegedly implanted defective device from his own company

More specifically, according to reports from swissinfo, an probe revealed superior ethical breaches and unexpected deaths successful the cardiothoracic country section of the University Hospital of Zurich (USZ) betwixt 2016 and 2020. The infirmary itself confirmed these findings successful an authoritative statement.

The probe highlights an unusually precocious mortality complaint during this period. According to data, retired of astir 4,500 surgical procedures, determination were 68 to 74 much deaths than statistically expected.

During those years, the caput of the cardiothoracic country session successful Zurich was Italian prof Francesco Maisano. At the halfway of the ungraded is the alleged “Cardioband,” a bosom valve repair implant manufactured by a institution successful which the prof reportedly held a involvement and which was allegedly utilized improperly successful 13 cases.

The usage of this implant whitethorn beryllium linked to the excess fig of deaths identified successful the report. The University Hospital of Zurich (USZ) has reported these incidents—particularly the deaths and improper usage of the Cardioband device—to the prosecutor’s office. Investigators volition analyse whether transgression offences were committed.

More than 300 deaths during Maisano’s tenure were besides reviewed successful detail. The investigation identified 75 problematic surgeries, 64 “fairly unexpected” deaths, and 11 “unexpected” deaths.

According to the investigation, the causes constituent to a systemic managerial failure. The past infirmary leadership, including Maisano—appointed successful 2014 without capable reappraisal of qualifications and conflicts of interest—along with infirmary administration, failed successful oversight duties and reacted excessively precocious to informing signs.

How the ungraded was uncovered

The existent manager of the University Hospital of Zurich, Monika Jänicke, thanked the whistleblower who archetypal exposed the irregularities and initiated investigations into the cardiology department.

The whistleblower, a erstwhile cardiac surgeon who worked successful the aforesaid session arsenic Maisano, had repeatedly raised concerns publically and internally, according to the infirmary manager successful an interrogation published successful SonntagsZeitung.

Jänicke, who took implicit successful 2023, declined to remark connected the information that the whistleblower mislaid his job. She said compensation issues would beryllium examined successful the last report.

“It is inactive excessively aboriginal to talk astir compensation for victims and their families, but it could go a topic,” she added.

Resignations and infirmary apology

As a effect of the investigation’s findings, 3 long-standing members of the hospital’s committee of directors resigned. The USZ issued a ceremonial apology to patients and relatives and established a dedicated enactment center.

“These findings person profoundly affected us. The enactment nonaccomplishment astatine aggregate levels is unacceptable,” said André Zemp, president of the USZ board, astatine a caller property conference.

The cardiology section has since reportedly regained its estimation nether caller leadership, with mortality rates returning to mean levels. Maisano was dismissed from the University Hospital of Zurich successful 2020 and is present main doc astatine San Raffaele Hospital successful Milan.