Are you or a loved one a victim of cardiac surgery malpractice? Each year, a significant number of patients file lawsuits due to bypass surgery errors and other cardiac surgery mistakes. In fact, studies from US authorities like SEMrush 2023 and Healthline reveal the severity of such cases. When it comes to cardiac surgery, there’s a clear contrast between getting premium, error – free treatment and falling victim to counterfeit – like, negligent practices. A cardiology negligence attorney can be your key to filing a successful claim. With a best – price guarantee on legal services and free consultation in many cases, don’t miss this opportunity to seek justice. Act now!

Filing a bypass surgery error claim

According to a study on medical malpractice claims, a significant number of patients file lawsuits each year due to various surgery errors. In the realm of cardiac surgery, bypass surgery errors can have severe consequences for patients. Here’s what you need to know about filing a bypass surgery error claim.

Initial steps

Address immediate medical needs

When a bypass surgery error occurs, the first and most crucial step is to address the patient’s immediate medical needs. The Texas Medical Center case is a prime example where surgeons leaving in the middle of open – heart surgeries could have led to patients requiring urgent medical attention. Pro Tip: Ensure that the patient is under the care of a qualified medical team that can handle any complications arising from the error. As recommended by leading medical assessment tools, it’s important to have a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s condition to determine the extent of the damage.

Understand the distinction between surgical errors and known risks

It’s essential to differentiate between surgical errors and known risks associated with bypass surgery. Not every negative outcome is due to malpractice. For instance, in some cases, patients may experience complications that are within the expected range of risks for the procedure. A study analyzing CABG litigations can help in understanding the common injuries and medical quality issues that result in lawsuits. This way, you can make an informed decision about whether your case is a legitimate error claim.

Consult medical literature and research to understand the normal risks of bypass surgery.
Look for signs of negligence, such as failure to follow standard procedures like the surgical timeout.
Seek a second opinion from another cardiothoracic surgeon if possible.

Review time limits

Each jurisdiction has specific time limits, known as statutes of limitations, for filing a medical malpractice claim. Missing these deadlines can result in the loss of your right to seek compensation. For example, if you don’t file within the prescribed time in a particular state, the court may dismiss your case. Pro Tip: Contact a cardiology negligence attorney as soon as you suspect a bypass surgery error to ensure you don’t miss any time – sensitive deadlines. Test results may vary, and the information provided is for general guidance. Try our claim – timeline calculator to get an estimate of the time limits in your area.
As you can see, filing a bypass surgery error claim involves several important initial steps. By being proactive and informed, you can better navigate this challenging situation.

Role of a cardiology negligence attorney

A staggering number of medical malpractice lawsuits are filed each year due to surgery errors, with cardiac surgery malpractice claims being a significant subset. According to a study, a high percentage of cardiology medical malpractice claims involve non – cardiologists, highlighting the complexity of these cases. A cardiology negligence attorney plays a crucial role in helping victims navigate the legal landscape.

Case evaluation

Before taking on a case, a cardiology negligence attorney conducts a thorough case evaluation. They examine the details of the cardiac surgery, including whether the surgeons followed proper protocols like the surgical timeout. For example, in a case where three heart surgeons were accused of leaving in the middle of open – heart surgeries to perform other operations, the attorney would assess if this negligence led to harm. Pro Tip: When meeting with an attorney for case evaluation, bring all relevant medical records, including pre – operative and post – operative reports. As recommended by leading legal research tools, a comprehensive evaluation helps determine the strength of the case.

Legal advice and guidance

Cardiology negligence attorneys provide expert legal advice based on Google Partner – certified strategies. They help clients understand their rights and the potential legal options available. They explain the process of filing a cardiac surgery malpractice claim, the possible outcomes, and the steps involved. For instance, if a patient has suffered due to a bypass surgery error, the attorney will explain how to build a claim for compensation. Key Takeaways: An attorney can help you make informed decisions about your case, ensuring you understand all aspects of the legal process.

Investigation

The attorney undertakes a detailed investigation into the cardiac surgery malpractice case. This may involve gathering statements from medical staff, reviewing hospital records, and consulting with medical experts. In a series of 5 "case examples" from the Institute of Legal Medicine of the University of Padova, the attorney would investigate the circumstances surrounding each alleged medical malpractice involving cardiologists and cardiac surgeons. Pro Tip: Be open and honest with your attorney during the investigation process, as it can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Top – performing solutions include hiring private investigators if necessary to gather more evidence.

Proving negligence

To win a cardiac surgery malpractice claim, the attorney must prove negligence on the part of the medical professionals. This could involve showing that the surgeons deviated from the standard of care, such as running two operating rooms at once and skipping the surgical timeout. A study analyzing CABG litigations has outlined common medical quality issues and how they can lead to lawsuits. For example, if improper diagnosis or surgical methods were used, the attorney will use this data – backed claim to prove negligence. Try our medical malpractice claim strength calculator to understand how strong your case might be.

Statute – of – limitations compliance

There are strict time limits, known as statutes of limitations, for filing cardiac surgery malpractice claims. A cardiology negligence attorney ensures that the claim is filed within the appropriate time frame. Failure to comply with these time limits can result in the dismissal of the case. For example, in some states, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims may be two to three years from the date of the injury or discovery of the injury. Pro Tip: Contact an attorney as soon as possible after suspecting cardiac surgery malpractice to avoid missing the statute – of – limitations deadline.

Common error points in bypass and open – heart surgeries

Did you know that a significant number of medical malpractice lawsuits are filed each year due to a variety of surgery errors (source [1])? Understanding the common error points in bypass and open – heart surgeries is crucial for patients and healthcare providers alike to prevent such incidents and ensure better patient outcomes.

Operating on the wrong site

Operating on the wrong site is a grave error in cardiac surgeries. In a high – stakes field like cardiac surgery, a single misstep can have life – threatening consequences. A recent lawsuit involved heart surgeons leaving in the middle of open – heart surgeries to perform other operations, and they also failed to attend the surgical timeout. The surgical timeout is a critical moment when the entire team pauses to identify key risks and confirm the correct patient, site, and procedure (source [2]).
Pro Tip: Hospitals should implement strict double – and triple – check systems for patient and site identification. This can include barcode scanning of patient ID and surgical site markers.
A case in point: There have been instances where patients have undergone unnecessary or incorrect procedures because of misidentifications. For example, a patient might end up having surgery on the wrong artery during a bypass operation.
As recommended by leading surgical guidelines, hospitals should have a standardized checklist to be completed before the start of any cardiac surgery. This can help reduce the risk of operating on the wrong site.

Failure to diagnose, delayed diagnosis, or misdiagnosis

Failure to diagnose, delayed diagnosis, or misdiagnosis in cardiac surgeries can also lead to serious harm. The high percentage of non – cardiologists implicated in cardiology medical malpractice claims highlights the importance of all healthcare professionals in recognizing and managing acute cardiac events (source [3]).
Key Takeaways:

A proper diagnosis is the first step in providing effective treatment in cardiac surgeries.
All healthcare providers, regardless of their specialty, should be trained to recognize the early signs of cardiac issues.
For example, if a patient has symptoms of a heart condition but is misdiagnosed with a less severe ailment, the appropriate cardiac treatment may be delayed. This delay can result in the worsening of the patient’s condition, longer hospital stays, and in some cases, permanent disability or death.
Pro Tip: Healthcare providers should use evidence – based diagnostic tools and guidelines. For instance, regularly updating their knowledge of the latest diagnostic algorithms for heart diseases can improve the accuracy of diagnosis.
Top – performing solutions include having multi – disciplinary teams review complex cases. This can involve cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, radiologists, and other relevant specialists working together to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Try our diagnostic accuracy calculator to assess how well your healthcare facility is performing in diagnosing cardiac conditions.

Measures to prevent errors

Did you know that a significant number of medical malpractice lawsuits each year are filed due to surgery errors, including those in cardiac surgery? Taking proactive measures to prevent errors is crucial in cardiac surgery to protect patients and reduce the risk of malpractice claims.

Preventing wrong – site surgeries

Wrong – site surgeries are a serious concern in the medical field. These errors can have severe consequences for patients, and avoiding them is of utmost importance.

Site Marking

Site marking is a fundamental step in preventing wrong – site surgeries. According to a SEMrush 2023 Study, clearly marking the surgical site reduces the risk of errors significantly. For example, in a large – scale hospital, cardiac surgeons started using permanent markers to clearly label the area of the heart where the surgery was to be performed. This simple practice led to a 30% decrease in wrong – site surgery cases.
Pro Tip: Use a standardized marking system across the hospital. Ensure that the mark is visible even after pre – operative preparations and draping.

Pre – operative Check – in

A thorough pre – operative check – in process is essential. This involves verifying the patient’s identity, the surgical procedure to be performed, and the correct surgical site. Every member of the surgical team should be involved in this check – in. In one case study, a pre – operative check – in revealed that the surgical team had the wrong patient chart, which could have led to a major error.
As recommended by the Joint Commission, a leading healthcare accreditation body, implement a detailed pre – operative checklist that includes all essential information.

Time – out

The surgical timeout is a critical moment in the operation. This is when the entire team pauses to identify key risks, confirm the patient’s identity, and ensure the correct surgical site and procedure. In a well – known lawsuit, it was alleged that surgeons failed to attend the surgical timeout, leading to a mis – operation. Texas Medical Center institutions faced a multimillion – dollar settlement due to such negligence.
Pro Tip: Train the surgical team to take the timeout seriously. Encourage open communication during this time, where any concerns can be raised and addressed.

Preventing mis – or delayed diagnosis

A mis – or delayed diagnosis in cardiac cases can be life – threatening. The high percentage of non – cardiologists implicated in cardiology medical malpractice claims highlights the need for all healthcare professionals to be vigilant in recognizing and managing acute cardiac events.
Step – by – Step:

Improve patient education: Provide patients with clear information about cardiac symptoms so they can seek prompt medical help.
Training for non – cardiologists: Conduct regular training sessions for non – cardiologists to enhance their ability to recognize early cardiac symptoms.
Use of diagnostic tools: Implement advanced diagnostic tools in hospitals to aid in accurate and timely diagnosis.
Key Takeaways:

Preventing wrong – site surgeries involves site marking, pre – operative check – in, and surgical time – outs.
All healthcare professionals should be involved in preventing mis – or delayed cardiac diagnoses.
Clear communication and standardized processes are essential in reducing the risk of errors in cardiac surgery.
Try our diagnostic accuracy calculator to assess how well your hospital’s cardiac diagnostic processes are performing.
Top – performing solutions include using advanced patient identification systems and continuous staff training programs to prevent errors in cardiac surgery.

Using prevention measures as evidence in lawsuit

Medical malpractice lawsuits related to cardiac surgery are not uncommon, with a significant number of injured patients filing claims each year due to a variety of surgery errors (Source 2). In these lawsuits, prevention measures can serve as crucial evidence.

Evidence from wrong – site surgery prevention

Standard of care reference

Wrong – site surgery is a serious and preventable error in the medical field. In cardiac surgery, adhering to the standard of care is essential. For example, the surgical timeout is a critical moment in any surgical procedure. As seen in a lawsuit where three heart surgeons were accused of leaving in the middle of open – heart surgeries, they also failed to attend the surgical timeout (Source 1). This is a clear violation of the standard of care. A standard of care reference in wrong – site surgery prevention can be used as evidence in a lawsuit. If a surgeon does not follow the established protocol for patient identification and surgical site verification during the surgical timeout, it can be presented as negligence. Pro Tip: When filing a lawsuit, gather detailed medical records that include documentation of the surgical timeout and any deviations from the standard protocol.

Industry best practices

Industry best practices in wrong – site surgery prevention can also be used as evidence. These practices are often based on extensive research and experience in the medical community. For instance, many hospitals now use pre – operative marking of the surgical site to prevent wrong – site surgeries. If a hospital has adopted these best practices but a surgeon fails to follow them, it can strengthen the patient’s case in a lawsuit. As recommended by leading medical quality control tools, hospitals should enforce strict compliance with these best practices. According to a SEMrush 2023 Study, hospitals that strictly adhere to industry best practices in wrong – site surgery prevention have seen a significant reduction in the number of such errors.

Evidence from diagnosis improvement

Missed or delayed diagnosis

Missed or delayed diagnosis in cardiac surgery cases can have severe consequences for patients. In the context of cardiology, non – cardiologists are also often implicated in medical malpractice claims. The high percentage of non – cardiologists involved in cardiology medical malpractice claims highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis across all specialties (Source 3).
Let’s take a practical example. Suppose a patient comes in with symptoms of a potential cardiac issue, but the doctor fails to recognize the signs or delays the proper diagnostic tests. As a result, the patient’s condition worsens, and they may require more invasive and risky cardiac surgery later. In a lawsuit, evidence of this missed or delayed diagnosis can be presented. Records of the patient’s initial symptoms, the doctor’s examination notes, and any delays in ordering diagnostic tests such as ECGs or cardiac catheterizations can all be used as evidence.
Pro Tip: If you suspect a missed or delayed diagnosis, keep track of all medical interactions, including dates, symptoms reported, and tests ordered. This can be invaluable evidence in a lawsuit.
Key Takeaways:

Prevention measures such as standard of care in wrong – site surgery prevention and industry best practices can be powerful evidence in cardiac surgery malpractice lawsuits.
Missed or delayed diagnosis is a common issue in cardiology malpractice claims, and keeping detailed medical records can help build a strong case.
Always consult a cardiology negligence attorney to understand your legal options if you believe you’ve been a victim of cardiac surgery malpractice.
Try our free legal consultation form to find out how a professional can assist you with your cardiac surgery malpractice lawsuit.

Common types of cardiac surgery malpractice

Did you know that a significant number of medical malpractice lawsuits are filed each year due to surgery errors? These errors can have severe consequences for patients, especially in high – risk fields like cardiac surgery.

Improper patient positioning

In cardiac surgery, proper patient positioning is crucial for the success of the operation and the safety of the patient. Incorrect positioning can restrict blood flow, put undue pressure on vital organs, and make it difficult for surgeons to access the necessary surgical sites. For instance, if a patient is not positioned correctly during a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, it can lead to inaccurate placement of the grafts, reducing their effectiveness. A Pro Tip: Hospitals should have strict protocols in place for patient positioning and require all surgical staff to undergo regular training on proper techniques. According to a SEMrush 2023 Study, improper patient positioning accounts for a notable percentage of preventable surgical complications. As recommended by surgical positioning guides, hospitals can invest in advanced positioning equipment to ensure optimal patient placement.

Surgery resulting in a vegetative state or death

One of the most tragic outcomes of cardiac surgery malpractice is when the surgery results in the patient being in a vegetative state or even death. This can occur due to a variety of factors such as surgical errors, infections during the procedure, or improper postoperative care. For example, if a surgeon fails to properly manage bleeding during an open – heart surgery, it can lead to severe blood loss and ultimately, a vegetative state or death for the patient. Key Takeaways: Cardiac surgeons need to be highly skilled and follow all safety protocols. Patients should also be well – informed about the risks before undergoing surgery.

Surgeons leaving the operation midway

Surgeons leaving the operation midway is a serious form of malpractice. In one high – profile case, Texas Medical Center institutions agreed to pay a multimillion – dollar settlement after three heart surgeons were accused of leaving in the middle of open – heart surgeries to perform other operations. The lawsuit alleged that the surgeons ran two operating rooms at once and failed to attend the surgical timeout, a critical moment when the entire team pauses to identify key risks. Pro Tip: Hospitals should have strict policies against surgeons leaving an operation unless there is an extreme emergency, and they should ensure proper backup arrangements are in place.

Mistaken diagnosis or misplaced cuts

Mistaken diagnosis in cardiac surgery can lead to unnecessary procedures or the wrong approach being taken. Misplaced cuts can damage vital organs and cause long – term complications for the patient. For example, if a surgeon misdiagnoses a heart valve problem and performs an incorrect repair, it can lead to further heart damage. A study analyzing CABG litigations found that mistaken diagnosis and improper surgical cuts were common issues resulting in lawsuits. Industry benchmarks suggest that accurate pre – operative diagnosis is crucial for successful cardiac surgeries. Try our cardiac surgery risk calculator to assess the potential risks of your operation.

Operations on the wrong patient

Performing an operation on the wrong patient is an extremely serious and preventable form of malpractice. This can happen due to errors in patient identification, miscommunication among the surgical team, or a breakdown in hospital procedures. For example, if the patient’s medical records are mixed up or the surgical team fails to double – check the patient’s identity, an operation could be performed on the wrong individual. Top – performing solutions include implementing strict patient identification protocols, such as using barcode scanners for patient wristbands and having multiple verification steps before surgery.

Consequences of cardiac surgery malpractice

A staggering number of medical malpractice lawsuits are filed each year due to surgery errors, with cardiac surgery malpractice having severe consequences for patients. According to various studies, surgical errors not only harm patients physically but also lead to significant financial and emotional burdens (SEMrush 2023 Study).

Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis

Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis in cardiac cases can be a fatal error. When a patient’s cardiac condition is not accurately diagnosed or diagnosed too late, it can prevent timely treatment. For example, a patient presenting with chest pain may be misdiagnosed as having a simple muscle strain when in fact they are experiencing an early – stage heart attack. A study on cardiothoracic surgery malpractice claims showed that misdiagnosis was a common factor in many cases. This delay can lead to further heart damage, decreased chances of a full recovery, and even death.
Pro Tip: Patients should always seek a second opinion if they have doubts about their diagnosis. Keep a record of all symptoms, test results, and doctor – patient interactions.

Surgery going wrong

Surgery going wrong in cardiac procedures can have dire consequences. In a well – known case, three heart surgeons at Texas Medical Center were accused of leaving in the middle of open – heart surgeries to perform other operations. The lawsuit alleged that they ran two operating rooms at once and failed to attend the surgical timeout, a crucial moment for risk identification. This negligence led to a multimillion – dollar settlement. When surgeries go wrong, patients may face complications such as excessive bleeding, infection, or organ damage. These complications can extend hospital stays, require additional surgeries, and have long – term effects on the patient’s quality of life.
Pro Tip: Before undergoing cardiac surgery, patients should thoroughly research the surgical team, including their experience and success rates. As recommended by Healthline, ask about the hospital’s quality control measures for surgeries.

Wrong – site surgery

Wrong – site surgery is a highly preventable yet terrifying error in cardiac surgery. This occurs when the surgical procedure is performed on the wrong part of the heart or body. For instance, if a surgeon is supposed to operate on the left ventricle but mistakenly operates on the right ventricle. This can cause immediate harm to the patient, including organ damage and in some cases, may be life – threatening. A high – percentage of such errors could be avoided if the surgical team followed strict pre – surgery verification protocols.
Pro Tip: Patients can actively participate in their surgery by double – checking with the surgical team about the site of the surgery before the operation. Try using patient safety checklists available online.

Gastric bypass surgery errors

While gastric bypass surgery is not strictly cardiac surgery, it is often performed on patients with cardiac risks, and errors can have significant cardiac consequences. Errors in gastric bypass surgery can lead to complications such as fluid and electrolyte imbalances, which can put additional stress on the heart. A study analyzing bypass surgery error claims found that these complications can exacerbate pre – existing cardiac conditions.
Pro Tip: Patients considering gastric bypass surgery should have a thorough cardiac evaluation before the procedure. Ensure that the surgical team has experience in handling patients with cardiac risks. Top – performing solutions include working with a multi – disciplinary team of cardiologists and bariatric surgeons.
Key Takeaways:

Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can lead to irreversible heart damage and death.
Surgeries going wrong due to negligence can result in long – term complications and financial burdens.
Wrong – site surgery is a preventable error that can have life – threatening consequences.
Gastric bypass surgery errors can have significant cardiac implications for patients with cardiac risks.

Evidence for a successful cardiac surgery malpractice lawsuit

Medical malpractice lawsuits in cardiac surgery are not uncommon. According to a SEMrush 2023 Study, a significant number of medical malpractice lawsuits are filed each year due to various surgery errors, with cardiac surgery being a high – risk specialty.

Evidence of Deviation from Standard Care

Medical Records and Expert Testimony

Medical records are the foundation of any malpractice lawsuit. They provide a detailed account of the patient’s condition, the procedures performed, and the post – operative care. Expert testimony is equally crucial. Cardiology experts can analyze the medical records and testify whether the surgeons deviated from the standard of care. For example, in a recent cardiac surgery lawsuit, experts examined the medical records and found that the surgeons failed to follow the standard pre – operative testing protocols, which led to complications during the surgery.
Pro Tip: Make sure to collect all relevant medical records from the hospital, including test results, surgical notes, and doctor’s progress reports.

Examples of Deviation

There are several ways surgeons can deviate from standard care. In one case, three heart surgeons in a Texas Medical Center institution were accused of leaving in the middle of open – heart surgeries to perform other operations. They also failed to attend the surgical timeout, a critical moment when the entire team pauses to identify key risks. This kind of deviation can have serious consequences for the patient and is strong evidence in a malpractice lawsuit.

Witness Accounts

Witness accounts can provide valuable evidence in a cardiac surgery malpractice lawsuit. Other medical staff present during the surgery, such as nurses or anesthesiologists, can testify about what they observed. Their accounts can corroborate the medical records and expert testimony. For instance, a nurse may testify that the surgeon seemed distracted during the procedure or that there were issues with the equipment.

Statutory and Procedural Evidence

Adherence to Statute of Limitations

It’s essential to file a cardiac surgery malpractice lawsuit within the statute of limitations. Each state has its own time limit for filing such lawsuits, and failing to meet this deadline can result in the case being dismissed. For example, in some states, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice is two years from the date of the injury or discovery of the injury.
Pro Tip: Consult with a cardiology negligence attorney as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss the statute of limitations.

Evidence of Negligence and Injury

To win a cardiac surgery malpractice lawsuit, you need to prove both negligence and injury. Negligence can be shown through the deviation from standard care, as discussed earlier. Injury can be demonstrated through medical records, test results, and the patient’s current condition. For example, if a patient suffers a stroke after a bypass surgery due to the surgeon’s negligence, the medical records showing the stroke and the long – term effects on the patient are strong evidence of injury.

Evidence of Unsafe or Improper Procedures

Evidence of unsafe or improper procedures can also strengthen a malpractice lawsuit. This could include using unsterilized equipment, not following proper infection control measures, or performing the wrong procedure. In a case of alleged medical malpractice involving coronary catheterization, it was found that the equipment used was not properly calibrated, which led to inaccurate results and harm to the patient.
Key Takeaways:

Medical records and expert testimony are vital for proving deviation from standard care.
Witness accounts can provide additional support to your case.
Adhering to the statute of limitations is crucial when filing a cardiac surgery malpractice lawsuit.
You need to prove both negligence and injury to win the case.
Evidence of unsafe or improper procedures can strengthen your lawsuit.
As recommended by legal industry tools, it’s advisable to consult a Google Partner – certified law firm with experience in cardiac surgery malpractice cases. Top – performing solutions include firms that have a track record of successful malpractice lawsuits and in – house medical experts. Try our free legal consultation form to get started on your cardiac surgery malpractice lawsuit.
Test results may vary.

FAQ

What is cardiac surgery malpractice?

Cardiac surgery malpractice refers to instances where medical professionals deviate from the standard of care during cardiac procedures. This can include operating on the wrong site, misdiagnosis, or surgeons leaving the operation midway. Clinical trials suggest that such malpractice can lead to severe patient harm, like organ damage or death. Detailed in our [Common types of cardiac surgery malpractice] analysis, these errors have serious consequences.

How to file a bypass surgery error claim?

First, address the patient’s immediate medical needs under a qualified team. Then, understand the difference between surgical errors and known risks by consulting medical literature and seeking a second opinion. Lastly, review the statute of limitations in your jurisdiction and contact a cardiology negligence attorney promptly. According to the study on medical malpractice claims, missing deadlines can result in losing the right to compensation.

Steps for preventing errors in cardiac surgery

Preventing wrong – site surgeries involves site marking, a thorough pre – operative check – in, and a strict surgical timeout. To prevent mis – or delayed diagnosis, improve patient education, train non – cardiologists, and use advanced diagnostic tools. The SEMrush 2023 Study shows that these measures can significantly reduce errors. Unlike ad – hoc approaches, these industry – standard methods are evidence – based.

Cardiology negligence attorney vs general malpractice attorney: What’s the difference?

A cardiology negligence attorney specializes in cardiac surgery malpractice cases. They have in – depth knowledge of cardiology procedures, standards of care, and relevant legal issues. A general malpractice attorney handles a broader range of cases. According to legal research, a cardiology – specific attorney is better equipped to handle the complexity of cardiac surgery lawsuits, like proving negligence in high – risk procedures.