Two doctors at Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital were arrested Friday for alleged negligence and destruction of evidence in connection with a March 2001 heart operation that resulted in the death of a 12-year-old girl.
Kazuki Sato, 38, who was in charge March 2, 2001, of a heart-lung machine that stopped functioning because of improper use during the operation on Akika Hirayanagi, is suspected of negligence, the Metropolitan Police Department said. Kazuhiro Seo, 46, who led the team of 14 doctors and nurses who took part in the surgery is suspected of destroying evidence.
It is the first time doctors suspected of malpractice have been arrested, according to the National Police Agency.