INJURIES CAUSED by a prolonged resuscitation were a contributory factor in the death of a 46- year-old man who died from a blood clot that travelled from his legs to his lungs, an inquest has heard.
James Connolly (46) of Tolka Cottages, Glasnevin, Dublin 11, died at the Mater hospital on October 18th, 2010.
His sister, Laura McDonnell, found her brother lying on the landing at the top of the stairs in her home at 12.30pm on the same date and called an ambulance.
He was transferred by ambulance to the emergency department of the Mater hospital with a cardiac arrest, secondary to blood clots in his lungs.
Prolonged cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was carried out by ambulance personnel and at the hospital, which caused superficial injuries to the inside of his chest and bleeding.
A scan showed blood clots in his lungs and a haematoma or bleed in the middle of his chest. He suffered a cardiac arrest and died later that evening.
Deputy State Pathologist Dr Khalid Jaber told the inquest Mr Connolly died from blood clots in his lungs, caused by deep vein thrombosis in his leg.
CPR-associated injuries were a contributory factor, he said.
Coroner Dr Brian Farrell said there were a number of CPR injuries, but said he was satisfied the primary cause of death was deep vein thrombosis.
He recorded a narrative verdict, a summary of the facts of the case.
Ms McDonnell, told the inquest he had been complaining of a pain in his left chest, arm and leg for a number of days before his death.
Dublin Coroner’s Court heard Mr Connolly was assaulted six weeks before his death outside an off-licence in Ballymun.
He went to hospital just over a week after the assault and was diagnosed with a fractured jaw.
He underwent surgery at St James’s Hospital on September 18th.
The assault was not reported to the Garda.
The coroner expressed his condolences to Mr Connolly’s family.