Vasa Previa, Undiagnosed Bleed, & Neonatal Hypoxia
The Challenge: A newborn suffered severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and permanent neurological damage due to an undiagnosed Vasa Previa during delivery. Plaintiff’s counsel alleged a failure to perform appropriate antenatal screening (e.g., color Doppler ultrasound) and a subsequent delay in emergency C-section, leading to catastrophic fetal blood loss and oxygen deprivation.
Our Objective: Visualizing the "Hidden" Risk and Preventable InjuryThe defense claimed the outcome was an unforeseen, rapid event or an unavoidable complication. Trial Graphics 360 was retained by Plaintiff’s Counsel to forensically reconstruct the fetal anatomy, placental pathology, and the critical moments of delivery, demonstrating the clear link between diagnostic oversight and neonatal hypoxia.
The Forensic Solution: Reconstructing Fetal Hemorrhage
Using maternal ultrasound reports, fetal monitoring strips, and neonatal MRI/DTI data, we meticulously built a patient-specific 3D model of the uterine environment, the Vasa Previa, and the subsequent fetal injury.
Vasa Previa Anatomy
We precisely reconstructed the Vasa Previa, showing the unprotected fetal blood vessels traversing the internal cervical os. The animation highlighted how these vessels were vulnerable to rupture when unsupported by Wharton’s jelly.
Mechanism of Rupture
The visualization detailed the progression of the cervical dilation, demonstrating how it directly led to the shearing and rupture of the exposed fetal vessels.
Fetal Blood Loss & Hypoxia
The animation showed the rapid onset of fetal hemorrhage into the amniotic sac, correlating this visually with the plummeting fetal heart rate and the subsequent oxygen deprivation that caused the severe HIE.
Neonatal Outcome
The final phase of the animation contrasted the healthy potential with the actual, neurologically compromised state of the newborn, emphasizing the devastating impact of the undiagnosed condition.
Lead Counsel Testimonial
"Dr. Ho's reconstruction of the Vasa Previa was simply astonishing. It showed exactly why this tragedy happened and how it could have been prevented. The animation of the fetal bleed was incredibly powerful and directly led to a multi-million dollar settlement. It left no doubt in the minds of the defense experts."
Lead Defense Partner, [Firm Name Redacted]
The Strategic OutcomeResult: Multi-Million Dollar Pre-Trial Settlement for Plaintiff
The forensic animation became a pivotal exhibit in mediation, clearly demonstrating the preventable nature of the injury. It transformed complex obstetrical concepts into an undeniable visual narrative of negligence.
Expert Adoption
The plaintiff's Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) and Pediatric Neurology experts utilized the animation to unequivocally illustrate the diagnosis, mechanism of injury, and the direct causation of the HIE.
Irrefutable Causation
The visual evidence left little room for the defense to argue unforeseen circumstances, as the animation clearly showed how a standard diagnostic protocol would have identified the Vasa Previa, allowing for a planned, safe C-section.
Powerful Settlement Leverage
The stark visualization of the injury, from its subtle origins to its devastating impact, created compelling leverage that led to a substantial settlement, securing lifetime care for the child.