Pacemaker incorrectly installed on artery instead of vein, suit says

A woman had to endure multiple heart surgeries after a doctor improperly implanted a pace maker, according to recently filed court documents.

Maggie Glass filed a lawsuit March 9 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Yousef Abdulnabi.

In her complaint, Glass claims Abdulnabi placed a cardiac pacemaker and cardiac leads to control her cardiac rhythm on June 14, 2010. However, he improperly placed the lead wires of the device, according to the complaint. Instead of placing a wire on the correct subclavian vein, Abdulnabi placed it on the subclavian artery, the suit states. Following the surgery, Abdulnabi failed to order a CT scan to ensure the pacemaker was correctly installed, the complaint says.

As a result, Glass claims she sustained severe damages to her chest, breastbone and clavicle area, requiring additional surgery. In addition, she suffered great pain and mental anguish and incurred medical costs, according to the complaint.

Glass seeks a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs.

Paul M. Storment Jr. of Belleville will be representing her.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-129.