medicaldevicerecalllawsuit.com

Deadly Side Effects of Duodenoscope Use Leads to Lawsuits

Spread of deadly infection caused by duodenoscope use during Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has led to lawsuits alleging that the medical device has a design defect that prevents complete sterilization.  According to a warning by the US Food and Drug Administration, microscopic crevices in duodenoscopes hide residual bodily fluids and organic debris from cleaning brushes, potentially exposing patients to contaminated fluids that could not be sterilized even when hospitals follow manufacturer-recommended cleaning procedures. Attorneys have filed duodenoscope lawsuits against makers, alleging defects in the product design makes adequate cleaning and sterilization difficult, which increases the risks of unsterile duodenoscopes causing serious infection.  If you or a loved one has suffered serious infection or death after use of a duodenoscope, fill out the form below for a FREE legal consultation from an experienced attorney.

Complete Form Below For Your Free Review - Time Is Limited
Please configure this component before using it

1-877-976-7975

FDA Warns of Duodenoscope Infection Risk

After receiving more than 75 incident reports involving 135 patients, the FDA has issued an official warning to doctors and hospitals that duodenoscopes “may facilitate the spread of deadly bacteria.” According to recent media reports, at least two of the duodenoscope models were sold in the US prior to receiving FDA approval.

Duodenoscopes Linked to Deadly “Superbug” Infection

Since 2009, the use of dirty duodenoscopes has been linked to at least five outbreaks of “superbug” infections because the tips of the device are difficult to sanitize.  In February of 2015 at least 179 people were exposed to a deadly strain of superbug known as Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) due to duodenoscope use.  Superbugs like CRE are resistant to antibiotics, and are fatal in nearly 50% of cases.

Duodenoscope Use is Widespread

Duodenoscope use during ERCP procedures are common among patients suffering from gallstones and pancreatic cancer, and the devices are used during an estimated 500,000 procedures per year.  Olympus Corporation manufacturers most duodenoscopes sold in the US, but the products are also made by FujiFilm and Pentax.  Duodenoscopes manufactured by all three companies are similar in design and risk infection due to difficulty sterilizing the product.

Why Fill Out the Duodenoscope Lawsuit Form

  • You receive a FREE case review from an experienced attorney
  • There is no cost or obligation
  • The form is easy and information completely confidential