Paralysis After Surgery: Anesthetic Swapped with Potassium

A devastating medical error involving a substance swap has resulted in permanent paralysis for at least one patient at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown in Nashville, Tennessee. The incident occurred late last week during standard surgical procedures requiring epidural pain management.

A 72-year-old woman, admitted for a knee replacement, is now paralyzed from the chest down after anesthetic was inadvertently replaced with potassium. Her daughter-in-law described the paralysis as a life-altering, catastrophic deficit, with no clear indication of potential recovery.

In total, four patients were affected by this critical mix-up, which is believed to have originated in the hospital's pharmacy. Syringes intended for the anesthetic bupivacaine were reportedly filled with potassium, a mineral that can be lethal in excessive amounts.

The hospital has confirmed the error, apologized for the harm caused, and stated that an investigation has identified the cause, with corrective safeguards implemented. State regulators were self-reported to and have confirmed an active inquiry into the event. Families are consulting legal counsel as medical interventions have thus far failed to reverse the paralysis.