Improperly sterilized duodenoscopes spread antibiotic-resistant infection
The Senate Health Committee uncovered that Olympus, who manufacturers 85% of all duodenoscopes, knew in 2012 that their scopes were not sterilizing properly and could transmit infections back but did nothing. Meanwhile, at least 250 people were infected in 25 different outbreaks. It took the FDA 4 years to consider recalling the scope. The FDA said the risk was too minimal when compared to the lifesaving procedures being performed. People died from these outbreaks and experienced long-term effects from contracting CRE, the “superbug”.
Medical professionals use duodenoscopes in over 500,000 procedures annually in the U.S. The most common being endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures. The flexible scope is inserted down a patient’s throat to access the upper part of the intestine. The issue is the moving parts on the tip of the scope makes it extremely difficult to sterilize properly.
CRE contracted from Contaminated Duodenoscopes
CRE (carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae) is a dangerous bacterium that leaves the intestine and begins to infect other areas of the body such as the lungs or skin. It is extremely difficult to treat since it is antibiotic resistant. Half of the people that contract CRE die. Half of the people that contract CRE die.
Data from independent studies suggest that 3% of scopes in circulation still remain contaminated. Contaminated dueodenoscopes expose an estimated 15,000 patients to infections every single year.
Your Rights
When manufacturers produce unsafe products that create pain and suffering, you deserve compensation. Although no amount of money will change the fact that you have suffered a serious injury as a result of manufacturer irresponsibility, compensation will help offset your current and future medical costs, as well as provide for the pain and suffering you have experienced. By filing, you may also help protect other women and their families from needless distress.
Contaminated Duodenoscope Risks
- Severe Urinary Tract Infection
- Antibiotic resistance
- Sepsis
- Septic Shock
- Death
Contact Us
If you or someone you know contracted CRE from a contaminated duodenoscopes after a ERCP, you may be eligible for compensation to ease the financial and emotional burdens you are experiencing. Contact us today to set up a free consultation, during which we will listen to your story, answer any questions you may have and discuss your legal rights and options. If you choose us to represent you, we will work with you on a contingency fee basis; this means you pay nothing until we have secured compensation for you, either through a jury verdict or settlement.
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Duodenoscope Manufacturer Knew It Could Kill and Did Nothing
