Those who were diagnosed with the CRE “superbug” bacterial infection after a procedure involving duodenoscope may be entitled to compensation.
Check your eligibility for compensation below before time runs out.
Those who were diagnosed with the CRE “superbug” bacterial infection after a procedure involving duodenoscope may be entitled to compensation.
A duodenoscope is a long, tube-like device inserted into the throat during endoscopic retrograde cholanglo-pancreatography (ERCP) procedures. The device is fitted with a camera, light, and hollow tube used for the insertion of dyes or other instruments. A duodenoscope can be equipped to effectively combat bile duct obstructions such as gallstones, cysts, and tumors.
In February 2015, the FDA issued a safety communication to doctors and patients undergoing procedures in which a duodenoscope would be used. The warning centered on sanitation practices and the complications faced when cleaning such a highly complex device. This warning came to light after a carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriacaecontanim (CRE “superbug”) outbreak occurred at UCLA’s Ronald Reagan Medical Center, which resulted in fatalities.
Since the release of the FDA’s safety communication, duodenoscope lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturer Olympus. These lawsuits claim that Olympus failed to provide medical professionals with proper duodenoscope cleaning guidelines, which may lead to contaminated device exposure.