Essex County Surgeon Agrees to Seven-Year License Suspension Over Alleged Harmful Vascular Procedures

State Board cites gross deviations from medical standards; patients suffered tissue damage, pain, and permanent injury

NEWARK, NJ — July 24, 2025 — The New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners has suspended the medical license of Dr. David A. Greuner, an Essex County surgeon, for a period of seven years in response to allegations that his endovascular surgical practices deviated significantly from accepted standards and caused serious bodily harm to patients. The agreement was formalized in a final consent order filed on July 11, 2025.

The disciplinary action follows an investigation by the Division of Consumer Affairs and Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin’s Office, which alleged that Greuner’s approach to vascular embolization procedures led to permanent disfigurement, tissue loss, pain, wounds, and scarring in three patients. The surgeon practiced general, thoracic, and vascular surgery at offices in Roseland, West Caldwell, and other locations in New Jersey.

Greuner had no formal training in vascular surgery and has not practiced in New Jersey since his license was temporarily suspended in August 2022. At that time, state authorities cited his “inability or unwillingness to grasp the very fundamentals of vascular surgery and the practice of medicine in general,” calling him a clear and imminent danger to the public.

“Public safety demands that surgeons in New Jersey be proficient in diagnosing and treating patients according to accepted standards of care within their fields,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Surgeons who fail to fulfill this most basic requirement present an enormous risk to their patients and undermine trust in the medical profession. We will continue to investigate and take action against these individuals to protect the public and ensure the integrity of New Jersey’s healthcare system.”

“Patients who seek vascular procedures are entitled to safe and appropriate medical care by highly skilled venous disease specialists,” said Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “By suspending Dr. Greuner from the practice of medicine and establishing rigorous conditions for his return and continued practice, we are acting to protect the public from further harm.”

Alleged Patient Harm from Improper Embolization

The State’s allegations focused on three cases involving embolization procedures performed by Greuner on patients with venous malformations (VMs)—abnormal blood vessel connections often treated by blocking blood flow through a process called catheter embolization. When improperly performed, the procedure can result in severe complications including necrosis, compartment syndrome, and loss of function.

• In one case, a 40-year-old woman suffered necrosis of rectal tissue following a pelvic embolization. She later required surgical removal of her rectum and part of her colon, and now uses an ostomy bag.

• Two other patients experienced compartment syndrome in their lower legs shortly after undergoing vascular procedures. Both required emergency surgery to relieve pressure and underwent reconstructive wound care. One patient faced the risk of amputation.

The State asserted that Greuner's surgical conduct constituted gross negligence, professional misconduct, and recordkeeping violations. Specific alleged deficiencies included:

• Performing procedures without MRI imaging to confirm the presence of arteriovenous malformations;

• Relying on incomplete angiographic imaging;

• Using temporary embolic agents that often fail to achieve lasting results;

• Scheduling procedures in close succession—within two weeks—instead of the standard six-week interval to allow proper healing.

Terms of the Consent Order and Reinstatement Conditions

As part of the settlement, Greuner agreed to a seven-year license suspension and must fulfill strict conditions before seeking reinstatement:

• Complete a Board-approved ethics course and 20 hours of continuing medical education related to surgical practice;

• Undergo a full assessment of medical knowledge and skill;

• Limit any future practice to general surgery only, subject to five years of monitoring;

• Pay a $25,000 civil penalty and reimburse the Division $76,770 in investigative and legal costs.

If Greuner wishes to resume vascular surgery, he must:

• Complete a two-year ACGME-accredited fellowship in vascular surgery;

• Obtain Board certification in the specialty;

• Undergo supervised monitoring of at least 50 vascular procedures, with progress reports submitted by a Board-approved vascular surgeon.

The matter was handled by Deputy Attorney General Lydwin Nonez, under the supervision of Doreen Hafner, Chief of the Professional Boards Prosecution Section in the Division of Law’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group.

Patients with concerns about care received from licensed medical professionals in New Jersey may file complaints with the Division of Consumer Affairs at www.njconsumeraffairs.gov or by calling 1-800-242-5846 or 973-504-6200.