It cannot be proven whether shortcomings identified in a Dunedin man's care contributed to his death, Otago-Southland coroner David Crerar's finding into the death of Peter Wong says.
Mr Crerar found Mr Wong (69), a panelbeater, died on March 1 last year in Dunedin Hospital from severe heart failure following elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
Clinicians had appropriately and honestly identified "shortcomings" in his care, Mr Crerar said in his written finding.
Air had been pumped in, rather than sucked from his heart during the procedure.
"The consensus must be therefore that it was more likely than not that there was a maladjustment with the aortic vent tubing going around the roller pump.