Scopes used to treat various digestive system disorders can transmit harmful
bacteria like CRE, but many doctors are in the dark as to how to mitigate
In 2012, reports from hospitals in Seattle and other major cities like
Pittsburgh and Chicago
revealed that patients were getting sick and some were dying after contracting a harmful, antibiotic resistant
bacteria called CRE. The source of the bacteria? Medical scopes.
The common denominator in all reported cases, according to investigators,
was a specialized type of endoscope – a medical device that passes
down a patient's throat to perform procedures on conditions like gallstones
and even cancer. Investigators learned that conventional cleaning was
not enough to remove the bacteria, allowing it to spread to other patients.
Of the six outbreaks and dozens of patient infections that have occurred
since 2012, a high concentration of patients underwent endoscopic retrograde
cholangiopancreatography or "ERCP."
CRE isn't the only type of bacteria being transmitted by the scopes,
but it is the most obvious. Patients who contract CRE usually display
more "red flag" symptoms, prompting rapid response with serious
antibiotics. Investigators may not even look at cases of patients infected
with other types of bacteria.
Although hospitals have identified the problem, they are still largely
in the dark as to how to prevent the bacteria from spreading –the
Food and Drug Administration and duodenoscope manufacturers have offered
virtually no guidance on preventing future outbreaks.
The FDA has come out with some less-than-hopeful news that "effective
cleaning of all areas of the duodenoscope may not be possible." As
of right now, the FDA says that the benefits of the devices continue to
outweigh the risks. Many health officials posit that the FDA and scope
manufacturers could be doing much more to help doctors and hospitals reduce
the risk of scope-transmitted bacteria cases.
Some hospitals are taking a proactive approach instead of waiting on the
FDA – Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle is one of them. Virginia
Mason has developed new protocols for the scopes that involve not only
extensive disinfecting, but also bacteria testing before the scope can
be used again on another patient. These new measures are costly, but well
worth it if it prevents patient illness and death.
Paulson Coletti is listed as one of the "Best Law Firms in America" in
medical malpractice and
product liability litigation for plaintiffs and attorneys at our firm have been voted "Lawyer
of the Year" in these areas of practice as well. We know how to advocate
for victims of medical negligence and dangerous medical devices. If you
or someone you love was injured in this way, we invite you to contact
our firm for a
free evaluation of your case.