Accidental death verdict

A SOUTH Derbyshire pensioner died during heart surgery to free a blockage caused by lung cancer, an inquest has heard.

Margaret Morris, 85, of Bells End Road, Walton, died of a heart attack on an X-ray table at the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary at 5.15pm on April 27.

An inquest into her death at Derby and South Derbyshire Coroner's Court yesterday, assistant deputy coroner Michael Bird heard that the surgeon who operated on Mrs Morris acted correctly and recorded a verdict of accidental death.

The court heard that Mrs Morris had been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer in June, 2006, and had been given up to nine months to live.

In April, 2007, tests revealed a large vein carrying blood from the upper half of the body to the heart's right atrium was suffering a blockage.

She was admitted to the hospital on April 25, and had an operation two days later.

During the operation a stent became dislodged, making a tear of between 5mm and 10mm in a vein, and she died minutes later.

An independent review said Mrs Morris had been told of the possible dangers and that no 'errors of judgement or treatment' had been found.