A Doctor Performed Unnecessary Heart Surgery On Several Patients

The failings of Ian Clark Wilson, a cardiothoracic surgeon, have been discovered following an inquest into the deaths of three men he operated on.

Between September 2011 and September 2012, at least 15 patients Mr Wilson - who worked for the University Hospitals Birmingham Trust - performed surgery on passed away, the Telegraph reports.

Louise Hunt, the coroner for Birmingham and Solihull, has since carried out an investigation into what exactly led to the deaths of 72-year-old Peter Brookes, 77-year-old Alan Lucas and 78-year-old Alan Tringham while they were under the surgeon's care.

The four-day inquest unveiled significant failings relating to the patients' care by Mr Wilson.

In the case of Mr Brookes, it was found that his operation was lengthier than it needed to be, subsequently triggering his blood pressure to drop significantly, leading to a heart attack that in turn resulted in brain damage.

Mrs Hunt commented: "His surgery was more extensive than was necessary. Given the extent of his underlying heart condition, he did not require six coronary artery bypass grafts.

"As a result of this additional element to his operation, he had a prolonged operation and bypass time, which, on balance of probabilities, resulted in additional damage to his heart."

Mr Brookes never gained consciousness after his operation at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital on September 2nd 2011.

Data relating to other patients cared for by Mr Wilson was also analysed - out of 79 individuals, one in five were recorded as having unstable angina, a figure that is significantly above the national average of four per cent. However, when this was checked, only four of the patients actually had unstable angina, suggesting records had been altered.

Similar data was found regarding his patients' blood pressure, indicating that unnecessary surgery may have been performed, putting the health and lives of the individuals at risk.

Mr Wilson denied manipulating information, but resigned from the UHB Trust on October 23rd.

If you or a loved one has suffered due to a surgical error or negligence, our medical negligence solicitors could help you claim compensation. Visit our Surgery Compensation Claims page for more information.

Expert Opinion

We welcome the findings of the investigations into the treatment received by patients under the care of Mr Wilson and hope lessons will be learned from this tragic case, where significant failings in care standards contributed to the deaths of patients. <br/> <br/>“It is also important that the Trust reviews how it was possible for Mr Wilson to inaccurately report data relating to the procedures he was conducting and that it reassures patients currently undergoing treatment for heart conditions that measures have been implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.” Mandy Luckman - Partner