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Couple Sues UPMC Over Kidney Transplant

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A couple filed a medical malpractice lawsuit Tuesday against UPMC over an alleged botched kidney transplant.

The transplant led to a two-month shutdown of the Living Donor Kidney and Live Transplant Programs.

Michael Yocabet and Christine Mecannic, of Greene County, are accusing UPMC of professional and intentional negligence after a botched kidney transplant.

Mecannic donated her kidney to Yocabet in April, but it was infected with hepatitis C.

She was unaware of it, but the lawsuit alleges that UPMC missed positive test results six times.

This led to a federal investigation and the two-month shutdown of the transplant program.

The couple has been together for 21 years have an 18-year-old son.

The lawsuit goes on to allege that she was subject to questioning from UPMC. During questioning she was asked if she cheated on Yocabet or used drugs.

She denied both of their questions and does not know where she got the infection from.

Jennifer Yates, manager of media relations for UPMC, released the following statement.

"We sincerely regret the human error that caused this situation however any allegation of a cover-up is completely false. Once the error was discovered, UPMC disclosed the information to the patients involved and UNOS. We voluntarily suspended our live-donor program and have fully complied with all investigations. The well-being of our patients remains our highest priority."

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