Olympus Duodenoscope & Endoscope Infection Lawsuit

Patients across the United States filed lawsuits against Olympus after contaminated duodenoscopes and endoscopes were linked to dangerous bacterial infections, including deadly antibiotic-resistant “superbug” infections such as CRE (carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae).
FDA duodenoscope safety overview >>

Olympus duodenoscope lawsuits allege that certain Olympus scopes contained defective designs that made the devices difficult — and in some cases impossible — to fully clean and disinfect between procedures. As a result, harmful bacteria could remain inside the devices and spread from one patient to another during medical procedures.

If you or a loved one developed a serious infection after undergoing an ERCP or endoscopic procedure involving an Olympus scope, you may be entitled to financial compensation.

What Is an Olympus Duodenoscope?

A duodenoscope is a flexible medical device used during procedures known as ERCPs (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography). These procedures allow doctors to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the pancreas, bile ducts, liver, and gallbladder.

Olympus manufactured several duodenoscope models that later became associated with widespread infection outbreaks in hospitals throughout the United States.

According to investigations by the FDA and other health agencies, the design of certain Olympus scopes allegedly contained small crevices and internal mechanisms that trapped bacteria and biological material even after standard sterilization procedures were followed.

Olympus Scope Infection Outbreaks

Between 2010 and 2015, hospitals across the country reported outbreaks involving dangerous infections linked to contaminated duodenoscopes.

Reports connected Olympus scopes to:

• CRE infections
• E. coli infections
• Sepsis
• Klebsiella infections
• Other antibiotic-resistant bacterial outbreaks

Federal investigations found that hundreds of patients were infected and multiple deaths were linked to contaminated duodenoscopes used during ERCP procedures.

Families who lost loved ones due to severe scope-related infections may also have grounds for wrongful death claims.

Olympus duodenoscope lawsuits are a form of product liability litigation involving allegedly defective medical devices.

Several major outbreaks occurred at prominent medical centers, including UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center and Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle.

Why Are Patients Filing Olympus Duodenoscope Lawsuits?

Olympus infection lawsuits claim the company:

• Sold defective medical devices
• Failed to properly warn hospitals and patients
• Failed to provide adequate cleaning instructions
• Delayed notifying U.S. healthcare providers about infection risks
• Continued marketing scopes despite known contamination concerns

Lawsuits further allege that Olympus knew certain scope models could retain dangerous bacteria but failed to take sufficient corrective action in a timely manner.

Investigations later revealed that Olympus had reportedly warned European healthcare providers about contamination risks before issuing similar warnings in the United States.

What Infections Have Been Linked to Olympus Scopes?

Patients involved in Olympus endoscope lawsuits reportedly suffered serious and life-threatening complications, including:

• CRE infections
• Sepsis
• Internal organ infections
• Bloodstream infections
• Septic shock
• Multi-organ failure
• Prolonged hospitalization
• Wrongful death

Many of the reported infections involved antibiotic-resistant bacteria that were difficult to treat and required extensive medical care.

Olympus Scope Lawsuit Updates

Olympus has faced significant litigation related to duodenoscope infection outbreaks for years. Multiple lawsuits have already resulted in confidential settlements and multimillion-dollar verdicts.

In recent years, additional scrutiny involving Olympus endoscope and scope devices has continued, including FDA warnings, recalls, and import alerts involving various Olympus medical devices and endoscopic equipment.

As investigations continue, attorneys are reviewing claims involving:

• Olympus duodenoscopes
• Endoscopes
• Bronchoscopes
• Related Olympus scope devices associated with contamination risks

Who May Qualify for an Olympus Infection Lawsuit?

You may qualify for an Olympus scope infection lawsuit if:

• You underwent an ERCP or endoscopic procedure
• An Olympus scope or duodenoscope was used
• You later developed a serious infection
• You required hospitalization or additional medical treatment
• A loved one died after a scope-related infection

Medical records, procedure reports, infection diagnoses, and hospitalization records are often important evidence in these claims.

Compensation Available in Olympus Scope Lawsuits

Patients pursuing Olympus infection lawsuits may be eligible to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical treatment
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term complications
• Wrongful death damages

Every case is different, and compensation depends on the severity of the injuries and circumstances involved.

Patients harmed by contaminated Olympus scopes may also explore our broader medical device lawsuits practice area.

Contact an Olympus Duodenoscope Lawsuit Lawyer

If you or someone you love suffered an infection after an ERCP or endoscopic procedure involving an Olympus scope, you may have legal options.

The attorneys at Alonso Krangle LLP are reviewing claims involving Olympus duodenoscope infections and other defective medical devices nationwide.

Contact our legal team today for a free consultation to learn whether you may qualify for an Olympus infection lawsuit.