Investigation and inquest
On 17/09/2015 I commenced an investigation into the death of Peter Charles Tye aged 73 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 15 February 2016. The conclusion of the inquest was NARRATIVE The deceased was admitted to Derriford Hospital, Plymouth on 2 September 2015 and despite treatment sadly died on 10 September 2015. The medical cause of death was 1 (a) Gram Negative Septicaemia with Pneumonia and Diffuse Alveolar Damage Cerebral Infarct following Cannulation of the Cartoid Artery
Circumstances of the death
Mr Tye was admitted to hospital on the 3rd September with pneumonia / respiratory failure and unexplained weight loss. On the 4th September, whilst on ITU there was a recognised complication when a central line was inserted into his carotid artery instead of his vein. After this he remained stable for 2 days but then deteriorated with gram negative sepsis. His condition did not improve and he sadly died.
Coroner’s concerns
At an Inquest touching the death of Peter Charles Tye, I received evidence from ████████ that improvements at Derriford Hospital had been made following the events during which a central venous line was misplaced into an artery. A Root Cause Analysis has indicated various improvements which can be made. These improvements concern both the insertion and the removal of central venous lines. Adoption of those processes is likely to reduce the numbers of deaths from misplaced lines.
Details have been shared with the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine. In my view deaths might be reduced by the promulgation of this good practice.