What Are Olympus Endoscopes and Duodenoscopes?
Endoscopes and duodenoscopes are reusable medical devices used in procedures to diagnose and treat conditions inside the body, including the digestive tract and pancreas. One common procedure using these devices is ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography).
Olympus, a leading manufacturer of these devices, designed duodenoscopes with complex components that can be extremely difficult to clean and disinfect properly between uses.
What patients weren’t told? Even when hospitals followed cleaning protocols, these devices have been linked to the spread of dangerous, drug-resistant bacteria. This put patients at risk of serious and sometimes fatal infections.
Dangerous Infections and Health Risks Linked to Olympus Scopes
Patients exposed to contaminated endoscopes and duodenoscopes have reported severe and life-threatening complications, including:
- Antibiotic-resistant infections (superbugs) such as CRE (carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae)
- Sepsis and bloodstream infections requiring emergency treatment
- Internal organ infections, including the pancreas, bile ducts, and liver
- Extended hospitalization and intensive care treatment
- Permanent injury or death in severe cases
These infections have been the subject of multiple FDA warnings, safety communications, and recalls involving Olympus devices and accessories.
These are not rare or isolated events. Outbreaks linked to contaminated scopes have affected patients across the country, including in Indiana and throughout the Midwest.
FDA Warnings and Safety Concerns
Federal regulators, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have issued warnings related to Olympus endoscopes and duodenoscopes, citing:
- Failures in device design that make proper cleaning difficult or impossible
- Contamination risks even when hospitals follow manufacturer instructions
- Recalls and safety alerts related to device components and accessories
- Ongoing concerns about patient safety and infection transmission
Despite these warnings, many patients were never informed of the risks before undergoing procedures.
Who Is Eligible to File an Olympus Scope Lawsuit?
You may be eligible to pursue a lawsuit if:
- You underwent a procedure involving an endoscope or duodenoscope, including ERCP
- You later developed an infection, especially a serious or antibiotic-resistant infection
- You required hospitalization, additional procedures, or long-term medical treatment
- A loved one became seriously ill or passed away following a scope-related infection
If any of these apply, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and other damages.
How CohenMalad, LLP Can Help
CohenMalad, LLP builds strong medical device cases by investigating the source of infection, analyzing medical records, and working with leading experts to demonstrate how defective design or inadequate warnings contributed to patient harm. Our attorneys handle every aspect of your case and fight aggressively for full compensation, while you focus on recovery. Based in Indianapolis and representing clients nationwide, we work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.
Statute of Limitations: Act Quickly
Time limits apply to medical device injury claims, and these deadlines vary by state. In Indiana and across the country, waiting too long could prevent you from filing a claim.
It is critical to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Take Action Today
If you or a loved one suffered an infection after a procedure involving an Olympus endoscope or duodenoscope, contact CohenMalad, LLP today for a free, confidential consultation. Call 317.636.6481 or complete our online contact form to speak directly with an attorney experienced in medical device litigation.

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