St. Joseph Hospital in Maryland Implanted Heart Stents That May Not Have Been Needed
St. Joseph Medical Center in Towson, Maryland, has sent letters to hundreds of patients after discovering that a former doctor may have performed unnecessary heart surgery to have coronary stents implanted in patients with blockages that could have been treated without a stent.
The Maryland hospital has sent letters to 369 patients and it is possible that more letters will be sent as other stent procedures are examined. The letters inform former St. Joseph patients that their stent procedure may not have been needed, even though they were told the stent was necessary because of severe coronary blockages.
The unnecessary stent surgeries at St. Joseph Medical Center were uncovered as part of an on-going federal investigation of Medicare fraud and other health law violations involving the financial relationship between the hospital and an affiliated group of cardiologists. While St. Joseph hospital initially denied that any patient care was impacted, they are no longer making such statements.
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Learn MoreThe only doctor implicated so far in the investigation is Dr. Mark G. Midei, who headed up the cardiac catheterization unit at St. Joseph Medical Center in Baltimore County. The hospital stripped Dr. Midei of his position at the hospital last summer with no explanation, according to an article in the Baltimore Sun. There was also a leadership shake-up at the Towson hospital in June 2009, with three executives leaving their job in the wake of the federal investigation.
Patients at the hospital, which prides itself on its cardiac division, began receiving letters from St. Joseph Medical Center last month, letting them know that subsequent clinical reviews of their cardiac catheterization procedure with stent placement revealed differences from what was noted in the original report. Patients were told to follow up with their cardiologist, as this could have an impact on their ongoing care.
The stent procedures, which are designed to prop open arteries that are significantly blocked, can cost $10,000 or more. Typically it is necessary for their to be at least a 70% artery blockage for a stent implant to be necessary, and many patients who have received these letters were originally told that they had blockages over that amount. However, after a subsequent review of the records from the procedure, many of the patients were found to have blockages that were well under 50%, which is generally considered “insignificant.” According to the report in the Baltimore Sun, some patients who received stents had blockages as low as 10%.
Federal investigators began looking into the activities of the hospital and Dr. Midei last May after receiving complaints from a patient. While Dr. Midei continues to deny any wrongdoing, many former patients are contacting Maryland malpractice lawyers to review lawsuits against St. Joseph hospital.
The case is not the first time Midei has been connected to medical fraud. In December 2005, a Baltimore jury leveled a $5 million judgment against Midei and Dr. Jeffrey E. Sell, a cardiac surgeon in a medical fraud lawsuit against Midatlantic Cardivascular Association, which employed the two doctors. The lawsuit was brought by Harry. R. Bargar, who accused the two doctors of committing fraud by telling him that his own surgeon, who belonged to a rival practice, was not able to perform his heart surgery. The jury found that Sell, who performed the operation, was guilty of battery because he performed surgery on Bargar under false pretenses.
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21 Comments
D LashleyFebruary 13, 2011 at 10:41 pm
I would like to know if any one had a stint inserted at Harbor Hospital that was not necessary
zachMay 20, 2010 at 2:21 am
Epic Fail
D HinesApril 28, 2010 at 4:35 am
My husband had ESRD for over ten years. In November, 2009 he had a heart attack and received a stent with Plavix. He continued to receive HD three times a week. Four months and 1 day later, he was found dead on the floor with foam around his lips and blood in the lock of his shoulder which indicated he had vomitted blood. He had complained two weeks before of having feelings as though his hear[Show More]My husband had ESRD for over ten years. In November, 2009 he had a heart attack and received a stent with Plavix. He continued to receive HD three times a week. Four months and 1 day later, he was found dead on the floor with foam around his lips and blood in the lock of his shoulder which indicated he had vomitted blood. He had complained two weeks before of having feelings as though his heart would explode and of stomach pains which limited the amount of food he could eat. He would also cough when lying down.
TanyaMarch 13, 2010 at 2:43 pm
My mom had stent surgery in 2004 at St.Joseph hospital Long story short my mom just past away in May of 08'. Since the stent surgery she had about 2 or 3 mild heart attacks, a couple of mini strokes, open heart surgery on May 7, ,2007, after being told surgery went great and she was as good as new I had to rush her to the hospital on June 23, 2007 fluid on her right lung which was contributed to a[Show More]My mom had stent surgery in 2004 at St.Joseph hospital Long story short my mom just past away in May of 08'. Since the stent surgery she had about 2 or 3 mild heart attacks, a couple of mini strokes, open heart surgery on May 7, ,2007, after being told surgery went great and she was as good as new I had to rush her to the hospital on June 23, 2007 fluid on her right lung which was contributed to another mild heart attack, she was possibly in heart failure again, she was then released on July 4, 2007, on July 14th my mother passed out having a seizure, a stroke, and cardiac arrest all at once. She was semi comatos she passed on May 16, 2008 and I've questioned in my heart ever since what and when did something go wrong.
PattieMarch 10, 2010 at 2:28 pm
On 1/25/08 I had a massive heart attack and was flown to St. Joes. One artery, the RCA, was 100% blocked and another, the LCA,was 30%. I had 4 stents in the one and nothing in the other as it is treatable by taking meds. I was only 55 years old and I am greatful to them for saving my life. As I was dying from the heart attack it was impossible to get a 2nd or 3rd opinion, which is something I woul[Show More]On 1/25/08 I had a massive heart attack and was flown to St. Joes. One artery, the RCA, was 100% blocked and another, the LCA,was 30%. I had 4 stents in the one and nothing in the other as it is treatable by taking meds. I was only 55 years old and I am greatful to them for saving my life. As I was dying from the heart attack it was impossible to get a 2nd or 3rd opinion, which is something I would have done. In March of 2008 my doctor, Mahmood Alikhan, quit the Mid Atlantic group and went out on his own. I wonder if he jumped ship to save his own reputation. He has a wonderful bedside mannner and spends a lot of time talking to you making sure you understand everything.
debraMarch 8, 2010 at 1:28 am
to happy as a clam and anyone suggesting a second opinion: After my step father died at the hands of st. Joseph not even a year prior, my husband ended up there against my wishes, because that is the only hospital the ambulance would take him too for his "supposedly" heart problems. My husband happened to be one of the unlucky ones who got a heart stent with only a 10 - 30% blockage! when the doct[Show More]to happy as a clam and anyone suggesting a second opinion: After my step father died at the hands of st. Joseph not even a year prior, my husband ended up there against my wishes, because that is the only hospital the ambulance would take him too for his "supposedly" heart problems. My husband happened to be one of the unlucky ones who got a heart stent with only a 10 - 30% blockage! when the doctor who is supposed to be a professional, tells you they need to do a procedure to check and see if your heart is blocked, you don't say, oh well wait let me call another doctor, wait a month to get an appointment, and hope you live long enough to get that second opinion!!!!!!! you trust them to do the right thing, and unfortunately, as i stated, my husband got a heart stent he DIDNT need! he did not feel any better afterwards and almost a year later and numerous doctor visits and numerous tests, we have found out it wasnt his heart at all, it was his bronchial tube, that was causing all his chest problems, NOT HIS HEART!!!!!. Doctors are supposed to be professional and trust worthy, and we as humans unfortunately think that they know more than us as they went to school for many years to be in their positions. We trust them at their word, and had it been his hand or his ankle or something not so important, maybe a second opinion would have been considered, but when someone is talking about your heart, you really dont have the time to get second opinions, unless you want to visit 5 different emergency rooms, as getting doctor appointments usually take about a month or more to get. when you think your heart is at risk, would you put your life in jeopardy by waiting a month or so to get a second opinion?????
SabrinaFebruary 28, 2010 at 10:36 pm
To any one who had a stent done at st josephs...... I would have another doctor outside of st josephs look into to it especially if you think it was not a necessary procedure... and if you find out it was unnecessary get a lawyer and go after the hospital
Dr. Gerald RoganFebruary 25, 2010 at 1:09 am
A similar situation arose at the Redding Medical Center in Redding California in 2002. Over 700 patients received unnecessary cardiac services. After the FBI and US Attorneys closed the case, there was no disaster analysis to discover how this could have happened. We did the analysis and found there was no peer review in the cardiology services at RMC . The State and CMS knew there was no peer rev[Show More]A similar situation arose at the Redding Medical Center in Redding California in 2002. Over 700 patients received unnecessary cardiac services. After the FBI and US Attorneys closed the case, there was no disaster analysis to discover how this could have happened. We did the analysis and found there was no peer review in the cardiology services at RMC . The State and CMS knew there was no peer review and excused the hospital and its medical staff in 1999. Three years later a threatened patient and conscientious doctor filed law suits and brought the matter to the FBI. The FBI performed the peer review required under federal law and took corrective action. Cardiologist Dr. Chae Moon lost his medical license. Cardiac Surgeon Dr. Fidel Realyvasquez is on probation. The question for St. Joseph is (a) was there peer review and (b) what did the State of Maryland know and when? Maybe the cardiologist read his own imaging studies with no oversight from peers or radiologists? Hospital safety cannot be assured without adequate peer review. WIthout a disaster analysis, we will not know how this probelm could have continued for so long. Do not expect your government to take action because little has been done in California to prevent another RMC disaster. Check whether the Joint Commission had certified St. Joseph and what they discovered about peer review.
HAPPYASACLAM11February 21, 2010 at 12:01 am
Comment regarding: Jace on 7 February 2010: Dec.'09 cardiac stent put in at the Washington County Hospital in Hagerstown Md. Sounds like you have given up on living! When writing please use the correct WORDS:Cardiac Stents are placed in: Arteries Not in Veins! Blood vessel do not " FROZE UP" , they are blocked by plaque or blood clotts along with other horrific happenings. The meds you are on ca[Show More]Comment regarding: Jace on 7 February 2010: Dec.'09 cardiac stent put in at the Washington County Hospital in Hagerstown Md. Sounds like you have given up on living! When writing please use the correct WORDS:Cardiac Stents are placed in: Arteries Not in Veins! Blood vessel do not " FROZE UP" , they are blocked by plaque or blood clotts along with other horrific happenings. The meds you are on can make you sick if taken on an empty stomach! You will feel awful if you are smoking or not caring for your diabetes (if your diabetic) or not doing cardiac rehab. AS FOR THE STENTING! A stent would have never been placed without your signature on a consent form that may have been explained to you faster than your brain could understand in the situation. Not knowing your situation, I do understand the restrictions & proof the state & FEDS require a community hospital to submit when placing a heart stent. There is not any question of the need to place a stent! You had a blockage and if it were left untreated. You may have been dead by the next Feb blizzard in 2010! YOU MAY CONSIDER A Follow up appointment with free clinic, cardiologist or your PCP:Review the symptoms that you are having. Take Care of your heart its the only one we get!
gozoFebruary 13, 2010 at 3:06 pm
hospital adminisrtation Were aware of what was Happenning
DSFebruary 9, 2010 at 3:13 am
Know this - you NEED TO GET SECOND AND THIRD OPINIONS. My mother had open heart surgery at St. Joes after being told by her St. Joes cardiologist (of St. Joeseph Cardiovascular Associates) that her problem was 100% fixable and the surgery was routine. The surgeon was gifted and incredibly talented...however he shared that that her cardiologist didn't think she would survive the surgery (then why[Show More]Know this - you NEED TO GET SECOND AND THIRD OPINIONS. My mother had open heart surgery at St. Joes after being told by her St. Joes cardiologist (of St. Joeseph Cardiovascular Associates) that her problem was 100% fixable and the surgery was routine. The surgeon was gifted and incredibly talented...however he shared that that her cardiologist didn't think she would survive the surgery (then why on earth did he recommend it?) She had surgery and nearly died at the hands of the cardiologists in whose care we placed her. The other cardiologists in St. Joseph Cardiovascular Associates did not have good bedside manners and did not work well with the other specialists that had to be called in on her case. After TWO readmissions (both of which occurred within 3 days of discharge) she would have died had it not been for the other "non-cardiological specialists" on duty (praise God they were there!!!) By her third admission we refused to have a cardiologist involved. What does that say for them? Since then we have changed doctors. I refuse to grease the pocket of someone who cannot be compassionate enough to be involved in his own patients. I will say this - our surgeon of St. Joes was wonderful. He was the one true gem in this whole debacle. And can I say - a good nephrologist is worth his weight in gold, absolutely fabulous and a man you want in your corner when undergoing heart surgery. We owe HIM a debt of gratitude for literally pulling our mother from the jaws of death. In the end it came down to arrogance, condescending attitudes and their inability to work well with the other hospital specialists that would have us say....do your homework!!! Get other opinions and realize it is never as easy as they say - they are SELLING their services.
JaceFebruary 8, 2010 at 1:38 am
In December 2009 I ended up having a cardiac stent put in at the Washington County Hospital in Hagerstown Md. A few days before this I experienced a severe rush of heartburn while pushing snow. I went in the house and took an aspirin and also an antacid .In about an hour I felt better. Two days later I was becoming very tired and my stomach was queasy every time I woke up. I would sleep for two ho[Show More]In December 2009 I ended up having a cardiac stent put in at the Washington County Hospital in Hagerstown Md. A few days before this I experienced a severe rush of heartburn while pushing snow. I went in the house and took an aspirin and also an antacid .In about an hour I felt better. Two days later I was becoming very tired and my stomach was queasy every time I woke up. I would sleep for two hours and then become tired again two hours after waking up.This pattern went on for about eight hours. I felt a little feverish and noticed a rash around my neck. At that point I drove myself to the emergency room and eventually was given an electro cardiogram. The doctor told me it was abnormal and before I knew it I was being carted to the operating room. They said that they were going to put dye in my veins and see if there was a blockage.I thought they were just going to look but they ended up putting a stent in. The doctor told me I would have died if my other arteries "froze up". I laid on my back for around sixteen hours and then they took the sheath out which caused bleeding. Although the nurses were nice, this was a horrible experience. Since then, I have felt pretty bad, but I definitely don't want any more stents or other surgery. I would prefer death and I am prepared for this. I often get discomfot in my chest area and my hands and feet feel like they are going numb all the time. I am on four medications with tons of side effects and also aspirin. I don't know if I feel bad due to the stent placement, all the medications I'm taking or other complications of this. I wish there were legal euthanasia clinics in this country cause I would rather take that option now.The sad thing is that early in 2006 I went to the emergency room with heartburn and stomach discomfort. A nurse told me that the hospital should have done an electrocardiogram then as it was standard procedure, and besides they could not find a hiatal hernia after giving me an mri or any other reason for my discomfort. Maybe if they gave me an electro cardiogram then, some of this could have been avoided.
JohnFebruary 5, 2010 at 4:31 pm
I think everyone needs to keep an open mind with this case. So happens, I am a poster child for someone who would need a stent. I am overweight, have high cholesterol, diabetes, etc. I was sent straight from my primary doctor to the cath lab because he felt I had blockages. Dr. Midai did the catherization and determined that I needed no stents. I also understand that there is some real bad blo[Show More]I think everyone needs to keep an open mind with this case. So happens, I am a poster child for someone who would need a stent. I am overweight, have high cholesterol, diabetes, etc. I was sent straight from my primary doctor to the cath lab because he felt I had blockages. Dr. Midai did the catherization and determined that I needed no stents. I also understand that there is some real bad blood and threats issued from his former employer after he went to work for St. Joseph's.
ElaineFebruary 1, 2010 at 6:39 am
All this talk, I guess I should chime in. I had an abnormal stress test on 10-27-08 in Hagerstown Md. I was admitted to St. Joseph on 10-28-08 for a heart cath. I was told that I needed open heart surgery or death was certain. I was told that I was very lucky be too alive and to never have had a heart attack. On 10-29 -08, I underwent quad open heart surgery. I was told once you recover it’s like[Show More]All this talk, I guess I should chime in. I had an abnormal stress test on 10-27-08 in Hagerstown Md. I was admitted to St. Joseph on 10-28-08 for a heart cath. I was told that I needed open heart surgery or death was certain. I was told that I was very lucky be too alive and to never have had a heart attack. On 10-29 -08, I underwent quad open heart surgery. I was told once you recover it’s like having a new life. Well folks, it’s been well over a year and all I can say is I would settle for my old life. I started cardiac rehab on 12-15-08. On 1-06-09 I had a follow up with my heart Dr. in Hagerstown, my energy level had gone down to almost nothing and I was starting to have chest pains. My heart doctor ordered another stress test, and sure enough I failed. I was readmitted to St. Joseph on 1-12-09 around 10 weeks post open heart surgery. The thinking behind returning to St. Joseph was they knew my medical history. Little did I know, I would never get to see or speak to the doctor that did the open heart surgery. I had Dr. Midei and was now the proud host of three XIENCE V stents. I question what happen and if stent could have taken care of my heart problems to start with why wasn’t it the first options? I was given a song and dance. Now if my health was better I would not question any of this, but you see this goes on. On 2-2-09 I had another follow up with my heart doctor in Hagerstown I was having chest pains, very light headed and all around not functioning well. Another stress test was ordered and guess what? I FAILED again. This time my doctor said no way are you going back to St Joseph, I was sent to see Doctor Paul Gurber at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore. Spent three days at Sinai underwent 2 heart catheterizations in as many days and now I have 2 more stents. I’m still weak but Dr. Gurber told me it would be 2 years at least before I get my strength back because I had my chest wall invaded with 4 heart catheterization and quad open heart surgery all with in 14 weeks. All I know is if stents could have help why was I opened up! Kinda of like removing a engine from an automobile to change a spark plug. Nothing good here to say about St. Joseph in Towson at all.
liliJanuary 31, 2010 at 5:27 pm
what i would like to know is this... how many people went out for second or third opinions....isn't that how we would know?
DavidJanuary 28, 2010 at 8:24 pm
I had a Taxus Coronary Stent implanted in March, 2006 by physician Prewitt, Kerry and I am certain that it was unnecessary. If I am not mistaken, arterial blockage is related to cholesteral and at the time of the procedure, my total cholesteral was well below 100 (my LDL was in the 40's!). I went in to the hospital for an angioplasty to have things "checked out" after I had some bad reactions to[Show More]I had a Taxus Coronary Stent implanted in March, 2006 by physician Prewitt, Kerry and I am certain that it was unnecessary. If I am not mistaken, arterial blockage is related to cholesteral and at the time of the procedure, my total cholesteral was well below 100 (my LDL was in the 40's!). I went in to the hospital for an angioplasty to have things "checked out" after I had some bad reactions to a blood pressure medication. I was placed in "twilight" sedation and assured that I would be conscious and aware enough to understand what was happening and participate in the procedure. The next thing I knew, I was in the recovery room with the stent in place and absolutely no recollection of what happened after a disembodied voice over a speaker said something to the effect of "Relax! It will all be over with soon." Now I have to take Plavix and other medications every day and will for the rest of my life. They are expensive drugs and honestly, who knows what they are REALLY doing to my body over a long term? I mean, wasn't Celebrax supposed to be a "miracle drug"? All I got from taking it was an ulcer!!! And it's somewhat demeaning to have to list it in your medical history and then be treated like damaged goods because you have a "heart problem". I, for one, am really pissed off about this whole situation and think that something needs to be done about it!
RaymondJanuary 21, 2010 at 7:55 pm
Ray had 3 stents implanted by Dr. Nair at St. Joe's in 2007. I have heard about manufacturer defects, and now this. How do we find out if he has anything to be concerned about?
MeredithJanuary 21, 2010 at 7:20 pm
My mother had six stents placed at St. Joe's in December e00z Share information you wish to be published on this page.... MidAtlantic cardiovascular did the surgery How do we find out if these were necessary?
VivianJanuary 17, 2010 at 5:47 pm
I had two stents put it in 2008 by a Dr. Mastali, at St. Joseph. One in my leg and the other n my heart. Is this Dr. also implicated in this investigation?
MaryJanuary 17, 2010 at 5:03 am
My mother had a stent implant out-patient surgery performed in 2007 by Drs. Mastali and Midei. How do we find out if it was necessary.
charlesJanuary 17, 2010 at 2:36 am
I recently (7/21/2008)went to st Joesph hospital. i almost passed out at work so i went to the hospital. the hospital ran every test known to man ,i think.It ended up that they sent me for a stint procedure. they went up in my artery and sent me back to my room. a cardiac surgeon and cardiologist told me there was too much blockage to do stint, that i needed 4 or 5 bypasses in open heart surgery.k[Show More]I recently (7/21/2008)went to st Joesph hospital. i almost passed out at work so i went to the hospital. the hospital ran every test known to man ,i think.It ended up that they sent me for a stint procedure. they went up in my artery and sent me back to my room. a cardiac surgeon and cardiologist told me there was too much blockage to do stint, that i needed 4 or 5 bypasses in open heart surgery.know i wonder if that was the truth or did they just do it for the insurance money? i had unsanitary hospital settings on the 5th floor after surgery. I still have bad after affects from the vein graph.Now I have the feeling there is a lot more to my story that probably should have been reported and further investigated.