Context:

A Florida case records the death of 70-year-old William Bryan after his liver was removed in August 2024, with a surgeon, Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky, indicted for second-degree manslaughter for allegedly mistaking the liver for a spleen. The incident occurred during surgery at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital in Miramar Beach, and authorities say Shaknovsky attempted to convince colleagues of the misidentification. The hospital stated that the surgeon was never employed by Sacred Heart Emerald Coast and had not practiced there since August 2024. Bryan’s death led to a grand jury charging Shaknovsky, who was released on bond and faces arraignment on May 19, with potential prison time if convicted. The case underscores the rigorous credentialing and licensing standards hospitals emphasize for surgeons.

Dive Deeper:

• William Bryan, 70, died on the operating table after doctors removed his liver instead of his spleen during a procedure in August 2024 in Miramar Beach, Florida.

• Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky, 44, was indicted by a Walton County grand jury on a charge of second-degree manslaughter in Bryan's death.

• Shaknovsky was arrested, released on bond, and is scheduled to be arraigned in Walton County Circuit Court on May 19, facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

• The hospital, Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, released a statement noting that surgeons face rigorous credentialing standards and must hold a state license to practice, adding Shaknovsky was never an employee and had not practiced at their facilities since August 2024.

• Bryan and his wife, Beverly, were visiting a rental property in Okaloosa County when he developed pain on his left side before the fatal surgery.

• Local authorities and the Office of the State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit disclosed the charges and the timeline, linking the alleged misidentification to Bryan’s death.