Coroner's Finding: Richardson, Margaret Rita
Deceased
Margaret Rita Richardson
Demographics
67y, female
Date of death
2017-01-24
Finding date
2018-11-16
Cause of death
Right coronary artery dissection following angiography stenting and attempted rotational atherectomy due to an occluded right coronary artery by ischaemic heart disease
AI-generated summary
Margaret Richardson, 67, died from right coronary artery dissection during rotational atherectomy on 24 January 2017 at Launceston General Hospital. She had suffered acute myocardial infarction on 14 January with 95% occlusion of her right coronary artery. Initial angiography revealed a heavily calcified, fibrotic lesion resistant to standard balloon dilation. Nine days later, rotational atherectomy—a specialized procedure using a rotating device to remove calcified tissue—was performed as the most appropriate treatment option. During the procedure, the artery perforated, causing severe pericardial effusion and haemodynamic collapse. Despite successful resuscitation and stent placement to seal the perforation, Mrs Richardson remained critically unwell. The coroner found that rotational atherectomy was medically appropriate for her condition, the complication was a recognized risk, and all reasonable care had been employed.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Specialties
Clinical conditions
Contributing factors
- Advanced ischaemic heart disease
- 95% occlusion of right coronary artery
- Calcified fibrotic lesion resistant to standard balloon dilation
- Artery perforation during rotational atherectomy
- Pericardial effusion from perforation site
- Haemodynamic collapse
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