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Patients Outraged By Midei's Comments About Stent Surgery Malpractice Scandal

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Depressed but pressing on. A Towson doctor at the center of a massive malpractice investigation says he considered taking his own life. Now former patients who accused Dr. Mark Midei of wrongdoing react.

Adam May has more.

Some of those patients are outraged by Midei's comments, saying they're the ones who suffered, not him.

In his first extended interview since being accused of performing unnecessary medical procedures, Dr. Mark Midei exclusively talked to WJZ's media partner, The Baltimore Sun.

"The human toll has been incalculable," Midei said.

He went on to say, "I've been near suicidal at times. My whole identity was stripped from me."

In 2009, the one-time world-renowned cardiologist found himself under federal investigation. Since then, more than 200 patients have filed lawsuits and he lost his medical license.

"I think he deserves everything he gets," said Vicki Marrs.

Marrs is one patient who claims Midei performed a stent surgery for a blocked artery---which another doctor later found unclogged.

"They said that I had 10 percent but he said I had a 90 percent and I needed the stent right away," she said.

Her attorney claims Midei's depression comments are an attempt to influence potential jurors in the civil lawsuits, which could go to trial next spring.

"I can't wait for a jury to rule on these cases because everyone that hears this is shocked with good reason," said Jay Miller, attorney.

Midei maintains his innocence, telling the Sun, "I've never treated a single patient that didn't need to be treated. Every one of them needed the treatment and they received high quality care."

He went on to say public doubt has been personally difficult.

"It's been an extreme challenge to get through each day. I just live it one day at a time," Midei said.

Attorney Jay Miller, who represents the patients, said he doesn't think the jury will be too sympathetic to Midei once they hear the facts.

Midei has filed an appeal in circuit court, hoping he'll get his medical license back.

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