Coroner's Finding: Richardson, Margaret Rita

67y · Female·Right coronary artery dissection following angiography stenting and attempted rotational atherectomy due to an occluded right coronary artery by ischaemic heart disease

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.