In a recent lawsuit filed against Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth, plaintiff Mark Kent alleges a nurse "inexcusably" changed the settings on his Hemovac drain.
A Hemovac drain is placed under the skin during surgery and continuously removes any blood or other fluids that might build up.
According to Kent's lawsuit, filed Feb. 25 in Jefferson County District Court, on Dec. 17, 2008, he was admitted to St. Elizabeth for back surgery. Dr. Erwin Lo performed the procedure.
During the surgery, a Hemovac drain was placed in the surgical wound. On Feb. 19, 2008, a nurse allegedly changed the setting on the device without a physician's order, the suit states.
"When this case is tried, the evidence will show that this unauthorized, inexcusable and negligent action has precipitated a number of medical conditions and problems which Mr. Kent suffers and will continue to suffer for the rest of his life," the suit states.
In his suit, Kent alleges the nurse failed to comply with hospital policy.
He is suing for his alleged past and future medical expenses, mental anguish, pain, impairment, disfigurement and lost wages, plus all court costs.
Houston attorney John Lane Clint Lewis represents him.
Judge Gary Sanderson, 6oth District Court, has been assigned to the case.
Case No. B189-457