Opinion ID: 2399207
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Defendants' Own Testimony Supported Dr. Johnson's Opinion About the Standard of Care

Text: Moreover, defendants essentially agreed with the standard of care as Dr. Johnson was prepared to articulate it. Nurse Paolino testified that the devices used to pad and position Owens before the surgery began had to be applied properly to avoid undue pressure at the outset of the surgery. Most importantly, she conceded that these devices had to be maintained in place throughout the surgery to ensure proper blood flow to the padded areas of the patient's body. Doctor Towne testified that various devices  including a gel pad and the sled used on plaintiffs arm  were inserted to protect the patient from anything in the operating room that might come into contact with the patient during the operation and thereby exert pressure, potentially causing injury. He also testified that if he saw a padding or positioning device acutely out of position during surgery, he would intervene with the surgeon and correct the problem. With respect to the hip roll used on plaintiff, both Nurse Paolino and Dr. Towne admitted that the standard of care required them to be aware of the placement of the hip roll during the surgery  although, in an apparent contradiction, neither would admit to any reason that they were required to be cognizant of the device during the operation.