MOUNDSVILLE – A man is suing Reynolds Memorial Hospital after he claims it is responsible for his wife’s injuries and death.
On Nov. 4, 2013, Joy Eileen Fluharty was admitted to Reynolds to have a routine left and right heart catheterization, according to a complaint filed in Marshall Circuit Court.
Greg Fluharty claims Joy Fluharty’s pre-screening indicated that her heart was not enlarged, that her lungs were clear and there were no signs of pleural effusions or evidence of CHF.
At the time she was admitted, Joy Fluharty had no signs of angina, heart pressures or chest pains, according to the suit.
Greg Fluharty claims two days later, the procedure was performed, but it was not successfully completed, as Dr. Charn Nandra made several attempts with numerous instruments in an attempt to insert catheters into Joy Fluharty and performed various intrusive procedures attempting to advance a catheter into her.
Nandra experienced great difficulties in attempting to perform the procedures and was unable to perform various tasks associated with a routine heart catheterization, according to the suit.
Greg Fluharty claims at one point, Nandra even inserted a catheter that was not long enough and, during this time, Joy Fluharty’s systolic blood pressure reached an extremely high level of 240mmHg and that level was persistent and she was given Labetalol intravenously.
Joy Fluharty was also given Nitroglycerin intravenously and sublingually, according to the suit.
Nandra subsequently abandoned the procedure and, following the attempted catheterizations, Fluharty had significant nausea and was very hypertensive, according to the suit.
Greg Fluharty claims Joy Fluharty was transported to UPMC Shadyside Hospital via ambulance, where she was immediately admitted and remained at that hospital until she died on Dec. 3, 2013.
The defendant was negligent for Joy Fluharty’s injuries and death, according to the suit.
Greg Fluharty is seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. He is being represented by Paul J. Harris.
Marshall Circuit Court case number: 15-C-206