Schedule a Consultation: (973) 274-5200

Scoping Device Linked to Deadly Bacteria

By Donna Ramos on August 27, 2015


Recently, there have been many reported cases of a deadly “superbug” resulting from the incomplete cleaning of duodenoscopes.  The superbug, formally known as carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae, or CRE, has resulted in bacterial infections that are very difficult to fight.  Hospitals in California, Connecticut, Illinois, and Virginia have stated that several hundred patients have been infected with the dangerous bacteria, and a few even died from the exposure.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has alerted doctors and hospitals to these dangers. 

A duodenoscope is a device used to diagnose and treat tumors and blockages in the pancreatic and bile ducts.  The devices are used in hundreds of thousands of procedures in the United States annually.  Unfortunately, the complex design of the scopes creates difficulties in sanitizing them after each use.  Industry experts argue that the lifesaving benefits of a duodenoscope outweigh its potential risks. 

A couple weeks ago, the FDA sent warning letters to the three major manufacturers of the scopes, attacking them for failing to report problems with their devices and failing to ensure that it was possible for the devices to be properly cleaned.  The failures of the three companies – Olympus, Pentax, and Fujifilm – violated the law, and Olympus is now facing lawsuits resulting from the superbug. 

If you think you may have a medical malpractice claim, contact Paul M. da Costa, Esq. at Snyder & Sarno, LLC.  The attorneys at Snyder & Sarno are experienced in handling all kinds of medical malpractice cases.  Call us today at (973) 274-5200.

Related to This

Message Us

If You Have a Case, Give Us A Call Today!

973-274-5200

X CLOSE

Bergen County Office

401 Hackensack Ave
Ste 706
Hackensack, NJ 07601

Open Today 8:30am - 5:30pm

Morris County Office

19 Cattano Ave.
Morristown, NJ 07960

Open Today 8:30am - 5:30pm

Essex County Office

425 Eagle Rock Ave
Ste 100
Roseland, NJ 07068

Open Today 8:30am - 5:30pm

Somerset County Office

440 Route 22 E
Ste 170
Bridgewater, NJ 08807

Open Today 8:30am - 5:30pm

X CLOSE

Message Us

X CLOSE

X CLOSE

Popular Tags