Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Doe, 54, suffered from atrial fibrillation. He underwent a cardiac ablation, but the atrial fibrillation returned, necessitating a repeat ablation. After the procedure, he experienced significant shortness of breath, dizziness, and lightheadedness. A CT scan revealed pulmonary vein stenosis, which led to a stenting procedure. Nevertheless, Doe’s respiratory symptoms continued. He is now unable to lead the active lifestyle he had previously enjoyed.

Doe filed suit against the treating electrophysiologist, alleging failure to identify appropriate target sites for the cardiac ablations. The plaintiff also claimed that the defendant negligently ablated deep into his pulmonary veins, causing severe pulmonary stenosis. The defense reportedly argued that pulmonary vein stenosis is a known risk of ablation.

The parties settled for $4 million.

Citation: Doe v. Roe, Confidential Dkt. No. (Mass. Super. Ct. Suffolk Cnty. 2022).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Andrew C. Meyer Jr. and Adam R. Satin, both of Boston.