Olympus Scope Lawsuit | Superbug CRE Infection
The California product liability attorneys at Cutter Law P.C. are investigating claims involving the Olympus scope, a device used in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures.
If you or a loved one has developed a drug-resistant bacterial infection after undergoing an ERCP procedure, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our lawyers today for a free case evaluation.
What Is ERCP?
Every year, more than 500,000 ERCP procedures take place in the U.S. and are often performed on patients with pancreatic cancer and colon cancer. This medical procedure is used to diagnose and treat problems with the liver, bile ducts and pancreas such as tumors, stones, blockages and narrowing.
What Is A Duodenoscope?
A duodenoscope is used in ERCP procedures and consists of flexible, lighted tubes that are threaded through the mouth, throat and stomach into the top of the small intestine.
If the scope is not properly cleaned, residual body fluids and debris can remain embedded in microscopic crevices in the device, which may expose subsequent patients to Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), an antibiotic-resistant “superbug” infection.
Earlier this year, 200 people at a UCLA hospital were exposed to CRE. Of the 200 individuals exposed, seven were infected and two died.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CRE infections typically occur in hospitals, nursing homes and other health care settings. One study found that one out of every two patients who became infected died.
CRE Symptoms
After undergoing an ERCP procedure, it is common for individuals to experience a sore throat and mild abdominal discomfort.
Please contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms following your procedure:
- Severe pain
- Trouble swallowing or breathing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Black stools
Olympus Duodenoscope Lawsuits
The lawsuits filed against Olympus allege that the Q180V duodenoscope is defective, and despite the device’s seal, bacteria can become stuck in the elevator wire channel.
The channel is located at the end of the scope and consists of small flaps that hold stents and other components of the device. Additionally, the complaints assert that the sealed elevator channel does not allow for proper cleaning and disinfecting of the device.
Free Consultation: Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has developed CRE after undergoing an ERCP procedure, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.
Contact our product liability attorneys at Cutter Law P.C. for a free case evaluation or call 888-285-3333.
Our firm represents clients throughout California and nationwide who have been severely injured by a dangerous pharmaceutical or defective medical device.
Because we are a contingency-based firm, there is never an upfront cost to you. We front all costs to prosecute your claim and get paid only if we win a monetary recovery.
