PORTLAND, OR (KPTV) -
A northeast Portland doctor is charged with manslaughter after the 2010 death of her friend who was receiving a late-night procedure similar to a "tummy tuck."
Soraya Abbassian was arraigned in court Tuesday morning. She pleaded not guilty and posted bail.
According to an Oregon Medical Board investigation, Abbassian performed the tummy-tuck-like procedure on a 59-year-old woman who was an employee, friend and babysitter for her daughter.
The report states it happened at 10 p.m. Dec. 15, 2010, and the doctor did not have any other staff assisting her.
At the beginning of the procedure, investigators said Abbassian administered a local anesthetic. The patient began to complain of chest pain and shortness of breath and experienced seizure-like activity before becoming unresponsive.
The Oregon Medical Board report said Abbassian admitted she did not have any medications to treat a possible adverse reaction to anesthetics or a defibrillator available at her clinic.
When emergency crews arrived at the scene, they said the woman was unconscious on the floor with no CPR being performed.
She was not breathing and did not have a pulse.
The patient never regained consciousness and died Dec. 19.
Investigators said Abbassian provided inaccurate statements to paramedics that impeded the delivery of appropriate care.
Investigators said another woman had a similar procedure performed that night beforehand. The Multnomah County district attorney's office said that woman survived, but complained afterward of dizziness and a racing heart.
The Oregon Medical Board investigation was eventually turned over to police who then brought it to a grand jury.
Abbassian is also charged with reckless endangering.
She pleaded not guilty, posted bail and plans to return to the East Coast where she now lives.
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