Sign up for our FREE E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox!
Dr. Abbassian performed a late-night cosmetic surgery on friend/employee Judith Desmarets. After Ms. Desmarets reported chest pain and shortness of breath, Dr. Abbassian administered a local anesthetic. Ms. Desmarets then suffered a seizure, lost consciousness and was sent to a hospital. She remained on life support for four days before her death. An autopsy ruled a fatal overdose of anesthesia caused her death, according to the report.
Court documents show Dr. Abbassian did not have support staff and emergency equipment during the procedure. Dr. Abbassian was also charged with recklessly endangering a second patient, though details about that case were not disclosed.
More Articles on Patient Safety:
AORN Recommended Practices for Infection Prevention Open for Comment
Study: Nurses Intercept Medication Errors More When in Supportive Environment
