Texas cardiologist disciplined after allegedly leaving guidewire in patient
A Texas cardiologist has been disciplined by the state’s medical board after being accused of leaving a medical device inside of a patient during a pacemaker implantation. The same physician was previously ordered to pay $1.2 million to the federal government for allegedly prescribing opioids to himself.
Juan Kurdi, MD, is an interventional cardiologist based out of Lubbock, Texas, allegedly left a guidewire inside a patient after placing a pacemaker in 2022. The issue was identified in 2023, when the patient required urgent care for septic shock from a urinary tract infection.
On Aug. 20, the Texas Medical Board announced that Kurdi and 16 other physicians had been disciplined for a variety of issues. An order signed by the agency details its findings after reviewing Kurdi’s case.
According to the Texas Medical Board, a chest CT of the patient taken immediately after the pacemaker was implanted did show the guidewire. However, Kurdi “erroneously relied on radiologist interpretation and did not view the X-ray himself.”
As a result, the cardiologist has been ordered to enroll in and complete at least eight hours of CME. While four of those hours must be focused on pacemaker procedures, another four must be about risk management. In addition, Kurdi is required to give a signed copy of the Texas Medical Board’s order to “all hospitals, nursing homes, treatment facilities and other healthcare entities in Texas” where he practices or has any medical privileges. He is also required to continue cooperating with the Texas Medical Board going forward and inform the agency about any changes of address within 10 days.
The agency emphasized that Kurdi participated in the investigation and has agreed to comply with its findings. However, he has not officially admitted to the allegations or denied them.
Michael has more than 19 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.