Duodenoscope May Transmit CRE “Superbug” Infection
According to the FDA, each year approximately 500,000 endoscopic procedures are performed in the US. Endoscopic procedures are used to treat issues with a patient’s bile duct, gall bladder, intestinal, and pancreas. Although these procedures can offer great benefit to patients, they carry a risk of causing infections which originate from failures in the decontamination process after use on previous patients. Therefore, the endoscope needs to be properly decontaminated after each use.
Recently, several hospitals reported drug resistant bacteria or “superbug” infections following endoscopic procedures. One Los Angeles patient has sued the manufacturer of the Olympus Q180V Duodenoscope.
The OLYMPUS Q180V Duodenoscope is a specialized endoscope used in an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography which is also known as ERCP. The duodenoscope was reportedly modified in 2010 without the FDA’s 510(K) clearance. The unapproved design change sealed the elevator wire channel in an attempt to eliminate manual reprocessing. As a result, the scope may transmit antibiotic resistant bacteria between patients.
If you believe that you or a loved one has contracted a superbug infection as a result of an endoscopic procedure you should immediately consult with an experienced injury attorney as to your legal rights.
For a free and friendly, no obligation consultation, call Brent Wieand, a defective medical device lawyer that works on a contingency fee at (215) 666-7777. Brent practices throughout all of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He is proud to serve southeastern Pennsylvania, including Berks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties, as well as the New Jersey areas of Pennsauken, Gloucester and Camden.
