Tragic death

3:01pm Wednesday 10th October 2001

A 70-year-old woman with angina died after general anaesthetic she was given for a routine operation triggered a heart attack, an inquest heard this week.

Sheila Karas, from Lesley Grove, went to Mayday on July 21 this year for a routine procedure to treat a blocked tear duct.

Croydon Coroners Court heard on Tuesday, October 9 how Mrs Karas, who suffered a heart complaint after strenuous activity, had been given the correct dosage for her condition as she was being prepared for the operation.

But the anaesthetic caused a cardiac arrest and the woman's brain was starved of oxygen, leaving her with brain damage. She died the next day.

Coroner Dr Roy Palmer recorded a verdict of misadventure, emphasising that in no way were staff at Mayday to blame.