Zurich University Hospital, serious shortcomings in cardiac surgery

Context

In brief

• University Hospital of Zurich admits serious shortcomings in cardiac surgery
• Dozens of unexpected deaths between 2016 and 2020
• 11 deaths reported to the prosecution

Key facts

• What: Serious shortcomings in cardiac surgery
• When: Between 2016 and 2020
• Where: University Hospital of Zurich
• Who: Former chief Francesco Maisano
• Amount: Seventy patients with excess mortality
• What: Inappropriate use of medical devices
• Amount: 13 cases
• What: Resignation of three hospital board members

The University Hospital of Zurich has admitted serious shortcomings in cardiac surgery from 2016 to 2020. A report documents dozens of unexpected deaths. The independent investigation found excess mortality of about seventy patients during this period, as the University Hospital communicated on Tuesday. The hospital reported 11 particularly suspicious deaths to the prosecution and inappropriate use of medical devices in 13 cases. Investigators will have to verify if there are criminally relevant violations. According to the report, the causes of the irregularities lie in an overall management failure. The then chief of the clinic, Francesco Maisano, would have been appointed in 2014 in a rushed manner and without adequate verification of his qualifications and conflicts of interest. Furthermore, the then hospital management would have neglected its duty of supervision and recognized the warning signs too late. Resignations in the hospital board

As a consequence of the investigation results, three long-standing members of the hospital board resign. They thus want to allow a fresh start in terms of personnel. The USZ has officially apologized to the affected persons and their families for the suffering endured and has set up a special counseling service. 'The results have deeply affected us,' said the hospital's president, André Zemp, in front of the media on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the cardiac surgery clinic has regained its good reputation and high-quality standards under new management. According to current reports, the mortality rate is back to normal. With stricter compliance rules, a registry for conflicts of interest, and a system for reporting irregularities in the planning stage, the hospital management wants to prevent similar episodes in the future.

The case

The case came to light in 2018 with the first press articles, but really 'exploded' only in 2020 thanks to a whistleblower, who like Maisano had then left the hospital in 2021. The Italian chief, still professionally active in this field in Milan, would have, according to what emerged at the time, made use of a so-called 'cardioband' (today no longer authorized and withdrawn from the market) of a company in which he was directly involved and without declaring the conflict of interest. In scientific publications, he would have also presented results in a more positive light than what emerged from the medical records. Media and political pressure, despite the consensual separation between the hospital and the doctor, had grown to the point that in 2024 the task of shedding full light on the matter was entrusted to the former federal judge Niklaus Oberholzer.

Operational details

Analysis of the implications

The serious shortcomings in the cardiac surgery department of the University Hospital of Zurich raise important questions about patient safety and hospital management. The excess mortality of about seventy patients between 2016 and 2020 is an alarming signal that requires an in-depth analysis of the procedures and protocols followed by the hospital. The inappropriate use of medical devices in 13 cases and the reporting of 11 particularly suspicious deaths to the prosecution indicate that there were serious violations of safety and compliance standards. The hasty appointment of the chief Francesco Maisano and the lack of adequate verification of his qualifications and conflicts of interest are further elements that contribute to an overall management failure.

Comparison with the previous situation

Before 2016, the University Hospital of Zurich was considered a reference point for cardiac surgery in Switzerland. The discovery of the serious shortcomings has led to a radical change in the management of the hospital, with the introduction of more severe compliance rules, a register for conflicts of interest, and a system for reporting irregularities. These changes aim to prevent similar episodes in the future and to ensure patient safety. The cardiac surgery clinic has regained its good reputation and high-quality standards under new management, with a mortality rate back to normal.

Future scenarios

The case of the University Hospital of Zurich underscores the importance of transparent and responsible management of hospitals. Patients must be able to trust healthcare facilities and the procedures followed by doctors. The creation of a special advisory service for those affected and their families is an important step in addressing the consequences of the serious shortcomings. Furthermore, the introduction of more stringent compliance rules and a system for reporting irregularities is fundamental to preventing similar episodes in the future.

Recommended tools

For an updated estimate, use the net salary calculator and the CHF-EUR exchange comparator.

Key points

What to do now

If you have been affected by this case or have family members who were patients at the University Hospital of Zurich between 2016 and 2020, it is important to contact the special advisory service set up by the hospital. This service has been established to provide support and assistance to those affected and their families. You can find further information on the University Hospital of Zurich website or by contacting the advisory service directly.

Procedure for reporting irregularities

1. Contact the special advisory service: If you have encountered irregularities or have doubts about the quality of care received, contact the special advisory service of the University Hospital of Zurich. 2. Provide detailed information: Provide all necessary information about your experiences and the irregularities you have encountered. This will help the hospital investigate and take the necessary measures. 3. Follow the instructions of the advisory service: The advisory service will guide you through the reporting process and provide support throughout the procedure.

Useful tools

For further information and support, you can use the following tools:

• Salary calculator
• Operational guides
• Advisory services

For further details and assistance, contact the special advisory service of the University Hospital of Zurich.

Source: rsi.ch