Carlos Blanco: Boy Left in Vegetative State After Controversial Surgery
Carlos Blanco, now eight, has been in a vegetative state for six years after his brain was deprived of oxygen during surgery that his family believes was unnecessary. Born with subglottic stenosis, a condition that leads to a narrow airway causing breathing difficulties, many parents are typically advised to wait for their child to grow out of it. However, the Blanco family was advised that Carlos needed an operation to widen his windpipe.
Tragically, during the surgery at the age of two, Carlos suffered a cardiac arrest which interrupted blood supply to his brain, leading to severe damage as brain cells died due to lack of oxygen. His family is now suing the doctors and the New Mexico hospital involved, claiming that their actions robbed Carlos of a normal life and resulted in significant injuries.
Carlos Blanco pictured before he had the surgery at two years old
Currently, Carlos is described as ‘just surviving’, relying on a machine for breathing, and remains unable to talk, walk, or eat independently. The family’s court documents specify the occurrence of the cardiac arrest as ‘mismanaged’ for 15 minutes, where CPR and medications were administered.
Carlos developed a new cough during recovery after two successful airway procedures earlier that year. His surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Owens, recommended the third surgery, which was carried out closer to home to avoid further travel.
Court filings assert that after doctors managed to restart Carlos’ heart, he was then unable to breathe unaided and remained on a ventilator for two weeks before undergoing a tracheostomy.
Following the surgery, Carlos was left in a vegetative state
Carlos was discharged on October 9, 2018, and has since required round-the-clock care. His mother, Josefina Blanco, is pursuing a medical malpractice lawsuit against the hospital and Dr. Owens for the ‘significant, debilitating and permanent injuries’ suffered by her son.
Josefina’s attorney, Adrian Vega, noted that most children with subglottic stenosis outgrow the condition, indicating that surgery may not have been necessary in Carlos’ case. According to medical experts, treatment decisions depend heavily on individual assessments of the child’s condition and parental preferences.
An expert statement revealed that while some physicians may opt to operate on patients with mild cases of subglottic stenosis, others argue that a conservative approach—monitoring the child’s health—might be warranted. Both perspectives highlight the need for thorough evaluations and discussions between parents and healthcare providers in deciding surgical interventions.
The consequences of surgical interventions for mild airway conditions can result in severe, long-lasting complications, as seen in Carlos’ tragic situation. Monitoring and careful consideration are paramount when addressing airway-related health issues in young children.
As medical professionals continue the discussion around the best practices for treating conditions like subglottic stenosis, it’s critical not only to consider immediate health benefits but also the potential long-term impacts on young patients.
What are your thoughts on the complexities of surgical decisions for children? We invite you to share your insights in the comments below.