Defective Scope Causes Infection and Death

Renate Winkler underwent a medical procedure in 2013. Shortly after, she was diagnosed with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, or CRE. CRE is a healthcare-acquired infection, or HAI. Winkler passed away December 2013 as a result of CRE infection.

According to Business Wire, her family has recently filed a lawsuit against her hospital, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, and the manufacturer of the duodenoscope used during her procedure, Pentax Medical. The suit alleges that the hospital failed to properly clean and sterilize the scope, and that the scope was defectively designed, making proper sterilization extremely difficult.

What is a duodenoscope?

A duodenoscope is used during a procedure called Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). It is inserted through the mouth into the stomach, and then into the upper part of the small intestine (the duodenum). The procedure helps doctors to diagnose and treat conditions like gallstones.

In this case, the scope was contaminated with CRE, germs that are highly resistant to antibiotics. Enterobacteriaceae describes a family of germs that include E. coli. These germs are commonly found in the gut, but can wreak havoc in other parts of the body.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, “Carbapenems are a group of antibiotics that are usually reserved to treat serious infections… Sometimes carbapenems are considered antibiotics of last resort for some infections. Some Enterobacteriaceae can no longer be treated with carbapenems because they have developed resistance to these antibiotics (i.e., CRE); resistance makes the antibiotics ineffective in killing the resistant germ.”

These superbugs can cause systemic infections that are impossible for the body to fight off naturally. With a limited supply of effective antibiotics, treatment can be difficult and uncomfortable, and is sometimes impossible.

In Winkler’s case, the infection was a result of a defective design compounded by negligent sterilization techniques. Her family has endured the pain of her untimely loss solely because of incompetence.

CRE is a serious condition that can have devastating consequences. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with CRE, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, treatment regimens, lost work, and pain and suffering. Our experienced South Carolina defective medical device attorneys can help get you the compensation you deserve. Contact McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC today for a free consultation.