Deleen Huff, PA Deposition | Cardiac Surgery Physician Assistant | Saunier v. WellStar

DEPOSITION OF DELEEN B. HUFF, PA Physician Assistant — Cardiothoracic Surgery Saunier v. WellStar Health System, Inc., et al. State Court of Fulton County, Georgia — Civil Action No. 20EV005209 Deleen B. Huff, PA, is a physician assistant with WellStar's cardiothoracic surgery practice who helped care for Billy Saunier after his heart surgery, from November 22 to 25, 2018. She was a named defendant when this deposition was taken. She is questioned about her role, her progress notes and discharge summary, heparin, platelet counts, the HIT antibody test, and her communications with other providers. Video-recorded remotely by Zoom on June 29, 2021, before a certified court reporter. Counsel for the plaintiff examined the witness; counsel for the WellStar defendants and counsel for Dr. Klass also appeared. A deposition is sworn testimony given before trial and recorded for use in litigation. BACKGROUND Kathy Saunier, individually and as wife and administrator of the estate of Billy Saunier, brought this wrongful death suit against WellStar Health System, Inc.; WellStar Kennestone Hospital, Inc.; WellStar Medical Group, LLC; and individual physicians, physician assistants, nurses, and a nurse practitioner. The complaint alleges that Mr. Saunier underwent coronary artery bypass surgery at WellStar Kennestone Hospital on or about November 19, 2018, and was then given heparin although safer alternatives were available. The complaint alleges that his platelet count fell, that heparin was stopped on November 25 without starting a non-heparin anticoagulant, and that the standard of care required both steps. The complaint alleges that he died on November 26, 2018, that his autopsy showed a heart attack caused by a clot in his bypass graft, and that an HIT test result returned after his death was markedly positive. The complaint alleges that Ms. Huff, among other defendants, failed to recognize and act on signs of HIT and failed to start a non-heparin anticoagulant. This deposition may contain allegations, opinions, and disputed testimony that have not been proved in court. Questions may contain assumptions that the witness does not accept. Viewers should not treat statements made during the deposition as findings by a judge or jury. We share this testimony for educational and informational purposes. Its inclusion does not imply our endorsement of any allegation or opinion. Please consider the testimony in context and alongside the complete record. IN MEMORY OF BILLY SAUNIER Billy Saunier died on November 26, 2018. This recording is published with respect for him and for his family. TESTIMONY TOPICS Her education, training, and role as a physician assistant Records she reviewed before the deposition Subcutaneous heparin for blood-clot prevention Mr. Saunier's platelet counts, November 23–25, 2018 Stopping heparin and ordering the HIT antibody test Her communications with other providers on November 25, 2018 Her progress notes and discharge summary EXHIBITS REFERENCED Ex. 1 — Medical record excerpts Ex. 2 — Employment file Ex. 3, 4 — Certified copies of medical records ABOUT THIS VIDEO Nothing in this video or description is medical advice. Objections stated on the record are preserved as spoken and are not resolved here. This recording has been edited to remove personal identifying information. If you believe anything in this description is inaccurate, or that this video discloses personal information that should be removed, contact our office and we will review it promptly. ATTORNEY JHPII, LLC, 1348 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30306. Responsible attorney: James Hugh Potts II. JHPII.com · TikTok: @WeWinThingsChange. This video is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any court. The thumbnail image is AI-generated.