The daughter of a woman who died after a treatment problem at a famous dental clinic has criticized the decision not to revoke an anesthesiologist’s license.
A series of errors saw Tina Owens, 60, suffer brain damage while under anesthesia at Kevin Sands’ office in Beverly Hills, California.
Tina Owens died after being given anesthesia by a lavish dentistCredit: FacebookThe mother of three pictured with her husband Brent and her childrenCredit: Rachael Owens
The mother of three was rushed to hospital on February 20, 2019, but tragically died days later after suffering cardiac arrest and head trauma triggered by a lack of oxygen.
An investigation by the Dental Board of California found that Tina’s death was related to gross negligence, incompetence and unprofessional conduct on the part of dental anesthesiologist Dr. Hadi Nassar.
But despite the commission’s findings, Dr. Nassar’s license has not been revoked and will be under review for five years.
Tina’s heartbroken daughter Rachael told The Sun: “It’s heartbreaking to hear that this anesthetist can continue to train with what feels like a simple slap on the wrist. »
Dr. Sands worked as an in-house anesthesiologist at Dr. Sands’ clinic, whose clients include Kim Kardashian, Miley Cyrus, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Justin Bieber, Kanye West and Britney Spears.
He is one of the world’s richest cosmetic surgeons with an estimated fortune of $20 million (£16 million) and his clinic is surrounded by high-end designer stores including Gucci and Cartier.
Tina – who founded professional hair extensions company Halocouture – signed up for a session full of crowns and veneers at the plush practice and was put under anesthesia on February 20, 2019.
But about an hour after Dr. Nassar began the intravenous anesthesia, Tina’s blood pressure and pulse readings began to drop between 10:45 a.m. and 10:55 a.m.
He then asked the dental assistant to stop working because Tina had suffered a “sudden and significant deterioration in her vital signs.”
Documents released by the board reveal that Dr. Nassar delegated CPR to a dental assistant with “little or no clinical experience” despite having “extensive training” himself.
This meant that the artificial ventilation Tina was receiving was “inadequate”.
The “prolonged period of inadequate ventilation and oxygenation” likely caused anoxic brain injury and cardiac arrest, authorities said.
Paramedics arrived around 11 a.m. and continued resuscitation efforts while transporting Tina to the hospital, documents state.
But after a “prolonged course of intensive care”, he was diagnosed with head trauma and life support was removed before he died on March 3.
Documents reveal that Dr. Nassar failed to investigate glaring contradictions in two of Tina’s medical forms before she was put under general anesthesia.
He also failed to obtain written consent from Tina and did not have the appropriate number of people present when the sedative was administered.
The care she received, or lack thereof, cost her and my family irreparable pain and sadness.
Rachel Owens
Tina’s sister, who was in the office with the mother when she became ill, also claimed that it took Dr. Nassar five minutes to initiate CPR.
As part of the five-year probation until September 2028, Dr. Nassar must be supervised by a dentist for at least the first ten procedures performed following the order.
Dr. Sands, however, confirmed that Dr. Nassar no longer works at his clinic and it is unclear where he currently practices.
He told The Sun: “Dr Nassar has not worked in my office for several years. I stopped working with him.
“I feel horrible for the family.
“I haven’t seen or spoken to him in years. »
Tina’s death has brought untold grief to her beloved family, who have not only had to come to terms with their grief, but also have to follow the investigation.
His daughter Rachael called the Commission’s decision a “slap on the wrist” and says her family believes Dr. Nassar’s license should have been revoked.
She told The Sun: “I feel like the whole process has been quite devastating for me.
Tina’s daughter Rachael, center, pictured with her mother, right, and sister, leftCredit: Rachael OwensTina, 60, had booked in for crowns and veneersCredit: Rachael Owens
“In my opinion, everything that happened in court leads me to believe that Nassar’s license should have been revoked.
“I respect the judge but it is heartbreaking to hear that this anesthetist can continue to practice with what seems like a simple slap on the wrist. »
Rachael said her mother’s death had an everlasting impact on her devastated family.
She added: “I think there is so much evidence that my mother’s death was not an accident, but an accumulation of inadequate care during her procedure and after her cardiac arrest.
“The care she received, or lack thereof, cost her and my family irreparable pain and sadness.
“It makes me nervous knowing that other people will continue to receive care from Nassar and may never know what happened previously in his career.
“My mother’s life is worth infinitely more than five years of probation.
“It’s hard not to think about what happens every day and how I wish it were different.
“I miss my mother so much – and I hope no one else has to go through what my family and I went through. »
Brent, Tina’s heartbroken husband of 27 years, also filed a civil suit against Dr. Sands and Dr. Nassar, accusing them of wrongful death by medical negligence, fraud and battery.
Dr. Nassar and Dr. Sands have denied all allegations made against them in the civil complaint.
The case was settled in 2021, however, after being resolved by a confidential settlement on undisclosed terms.
Dr. Kevin Sands’ clients include a host of celebrities, including Kim Kardashian.
2023-10-15 20:53:55
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