Inquest told businessman died during Oswestry hospital operation
A West Midlands businessman died during an operation as part of a clinical trial at a Shropshire hospital, an inquest heard today.
A West Midlands businessman died during an operation as part of a clinical trial at a Shropshire hospital, an inquest heard today.
Father of three Luigi Belcuore, known as Louis, was undergoing day surgery at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic and District Hospital Trust in Oswestry overseen by surgeon James Richardson.
The 43-year-old, from Morton Bagot near Studley, died during the knee operation on October 20, 2009, the inquest heard.
Shropshire coroner Mr John Ellery, overseeing the five day jury inquest at Shrewsbury Magistrates Court which began today, said Mr Belcuore's death was most likely caused by an air embolism - a condition caused by gas bubbles in the vessels and tissues that carry blood.
The jury heard Mr Belcuore had agreed to take part in a clinical trial if he was randomly selected.
The inquest was told compressed air was used to dry the knee surface and Mr Ellery said it was believed it was at this stage of the procedure when Mr Belcuore suffered the air embolism.
Paul Sutton, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon from Sheffield gave a presentation.
The inquest continues.