An investigation concluded that a man died during an MRI at a private medical center in Kuopio, Finland, due to inadequate monitoring and emergency response.
On January 2, 2025, a middle-aged patient died during an MRI examination at a private medical center in Kuopio, Finland. Following his sedation for the procedure, the patient's condition deteriorated, and he went into cardiac arrest. Although he was revived initially, he later died in the hospital due to complications arising from the MRI process. The investigation by the Accident Investigation Center of Finland (OTKES) revealed critical shortcomings in both patient monitoring and emergency protocols at the facility.
Expert Mikko Virtanen noted that the level of sedative administered during the MRI was equivalent to general anesthesia, which posed significant risks. Additionally, the oxygen flow from the mask used was insufficient to maintain the patient's oxygen levels, further compromising his health. It was also highlighted that there was no MRI-compatible monitoring equipment available to keep track of the patient's vital signs during the procedure, which meant that the deteriorating condition went unnoticed until it was too late.
Moreover, the medical center had not adequately prepared for emergencies, leading to delays in commencing life-saving measures. This tragic incident not only raises questions regarding the standards of care in such medical facilities but also emphasizes the need for stringent protocols to ensure patient safety during MRI examinations involving sedation. The findings aim to prompt reviews of similar practices across Finland to prevent future occurrences.
