What medical procedures involve the use of Olympus scopes?

Olympus is a manufacturer of flexible endoscopes for gastroenterology, pulmonology, urology and ENT. These scopes show up in a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed every day, from routine screenings to complex interventional treatments.

ERCP, also known as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, sits at the center of Olympus litigation. A duodenoscope allows physicians to access the bile and pancreatic ducts to remove gallstones, treat blocked ducts, place stents, or diagnose pancreatic disease. Certain Olympus models became the subject of lawsuits after investigations tied them to outbreaks of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, with bacteria reportedly remaining around the elevator mechanism even after standard cleaning.

Other common procedures using Olympus scopes include:

• Upper endoscopy, used to evaluate acid reflux, ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, and Barrett's esophagus
• Colonoscopy, used for colorectal cancer screening and polyp removal
• Bronchoscopy, used to examine the lungs and airways for infections, masses, or bleeding
• Cystoscopy and ureteroscopy, used in urology to evaluate the bladder, urethra, and kidneys, and to remove kidney stones
• Enteroscopy, used to investigate portions of the small intestine not reachable by standard endoscopy
• Endoscopic ultrasound, used to evaluate the pancreas, liver, and bile ducts and to obtain biopsy samples
• ENT procedures examining the sinuses, throat, and larynx

Although Olympus scopes serve many specialties, the majority of publicly reported product liability lawsuits involve duodenoscopes used in ERCP procedures. These allegations prompted FDA safety communications and design changes, including models with disposable distal endcaps intended to reduce contamination risk.

Reach out to Atraxia Law if you developed an infection after an Olympus scope procedure

If you developed a serious infection after having an ERCP or other Olympus scope procedure, our team can help determine whether you have a case. We have more than 35 years of experience handling defective medical device cases and will review your medical records to help you determine your next steps. Contact Atraxia Law today to get started on your case evaluation.