Duodenoscope Infection Lawsuit Help
The Law Firm of Eric H. Weinberg is assisting individuals nationwide who may have suffered an infection following an endoscopic procedure known as ERCP. Since 1984, Attorney Weinberg has represented personal injury victims, including those injured by defective medical devices, including metal-on-metal hip joints, transvaginal mesh, and apnea monitors. For a free legal case evaluation, please call our law firm toll free at 1-877-934-6274.
FDA Cautions: Multidrug-resistant bacterial infections are associated with some reprocessed ERCP duodenoscopes.
In a Safety Communication dated February 19, 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautioned that the design of certain ERCP duodenoscopes may interfere with the ability to sterilize these reusable medical devices, putting patients at risk for infection with potentially deadly multidrug-resistant bacteria. Referred to as Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), these drug-resistant bacteria include E. coli and Klebsiella species and have been linked to infections following duodenoscope procedures, even when the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions are followed.
Duodenoscope Cleaning Problems
Duodenoscopes may be used in procedures to drain fluids from blocked pancreatic and biliary ducts, inject contrast dyes, obtain tissue samples for biopsy, or to treat certain medical conditions. The flexible scope is passed through the mouth, throat, and stomach, into the top of the small intestine ( known as the duodenum). At the tip of the scope is a movable “elevator” mechanism that allows gastroenterologists to change the angle of instruments passed through the scope during these procedures. According to the FDA, this movable feature can add to the challenge of cleaning and disinfecting these reusable devices. Manufacturers of ERCP duodenoscopes include Olympus Corp., Pentax Medical, and FujiFilm Holdings Corp.
Obtain a Free Duodenoscope Infection Lawsuit Evaluation
The Weinberg Law Firm is currently accepting Duodenoscope-linked infection personal injury cases nationwide. If you or someone you know has suffered a CRE infection (also called a “Superbug Infection”) after undergoing ERCP with a reprocessed duodenoscope, please contact our firm toll free at 1-877-934-6274 for a free Duodenoscope Infection Lawsuit case evaluation. You can also submit our online “Free Legal Case Evaluation Form” to contact one of our lawyers.
