Patient’s Death Prompts Inquiry Into Surgeon

A Newport Beach plastic surgeon is being investigated by the Osteopathic Medical Board of California following the death of a patient, authorities said Wednesday.

Maryellen Fleury, 44, of Santa Ana died at her home Monday, three days after undergoing liposuction and breast augmentation procedures by Amy Bandy, a certified plastic surgeon who also has an office in Lawndale.

Fleury died of bilateral pulmonary embolism--blood clots in the lungs--said Deputy Orange County Coroner Cullen Ellensburg.

“It’s a complication that we find in all types of surgeries,” Ellensburg said.

The osteopathic board has begun an investigation to determine whether there was any negligence.

Officials will request patient records and obtain an independent review from a board-certified plastic surgeon. If Bandy is found to have been negligent, she could face disciplinary action ranging from censure to a license revocation, said Linda Bergmann, executive director of the board.

Fleury’s family has not filed a complaint against Bandy, and there are no early indications of wrongdoing based on the coroner’s report. Investigations are fairly common following a patient death, Bergmann said.