Another surprising detail has come to light in the events leading up to comedienne Joan Rivers' death: The unnamed, unauthorized ENT physician present in Ms. Rivers' procedure room took a selfie with her while she was under anesthesia, according to a report from CNN.
An unidentified staff member with Yorkville Endoscopy in New York City told CNN that after former Medical Director of the clinic Lawrence Cohen, MD, finished his work, the ENT performed a vocal cord biopsy on Ms. Rivers, snapping a selfie with the star shortly before she went into cardiac arrest. According to previous reports, the ENT did not have privileges at Yorkville Endoscopy.
The source also told CNN that investigators suspect the biopsy performed by the ENT caused Ms. Rivers' vocal cords to swell, cutting off her airflow and depriving her of oxygen. Yorkville Endoscopy has denied last week that any such biopsy was performed, though CNN notes HIPAA prevents patient data from being released.
At this time, no physician or staff member at the ASC has been accused of wrongdoing, according to the report.
An unidentified staff member with Yorkville Endoscopy in New York City told CNN that after former Medical Director of the clinic Lawrence Cohen, MD, finished his work, the ENT performed a vocal cord biopsy on Ms. Rivers, snapping a selfie with the star shortly before she went into cardiac arrest. According to previous reports, the ENT did not have privileges at Yorkville Endoscopy.
The source also told CNN that investigators suspect the biopsy performed by the ENT caused Ms. Rivers' vocal cords to swell, cutting off her airflow and depriving her of oxygen. Yorkville Endoscopy has denied last week that any such biopsy was performed, though CNN notes HIPAA prevents patient data from being released.
At this time, no physician or staff member at the ASC has been accused of wrongdoing, according to the report.