Olympus America Bronchoscope Overview

Olympus America is a corporation based in Melville, New York that has put out many different types of products within the medical technology market. The company offered a line of bronchoscopes for a time, but due to reported problems, a controversy arose. Details of this issue appear below.

About the Bronchoscope

A bronchoscope is a product that aids in the diagnosis of respiratory problems that include pneumonia, lung cancer and other medical conditions. Its look is that of a long, flexible tube with a light and a small camera attached to the end of it, and it’s used by inserting the tube into the patient’s mouth and “scoping” the light and camera into the area that needs inspection.

Problems Arose

On November 30, 2001, Olympus America initiated a voluntary recall of the following bronchoscope models:

BF-40
BF-P40
BF-IT40
BF-3C40
BF-XP40
BF-XT40
BF-240
BF-P240
BF-IT240
BF-6C240
BF-160
BF-P160
BF-IT160
BF-3C160
BF-XT160

The reason for this recall was that the biopsy port, a part on the end of the bronchoscope, was removable if twisted, which was not an intended facet of the original design. The issue showed itself by way of a patient contracting an infection that required medical treatment that may have been linked to bacteria growing on this part of the product. These infections, especially if they go untreated, can lead to significant damage to your respiratory system.

Your Next Steps

If you have recently had a respiratory examination that used a bronchoscope, and you’ve developed respiratory problems of any type, the first thing you need to do is to contact your doctor for a full medical evaluation.  Make sure that you mention the bronchoscope as a possible reason for your injury.

After your examination, contact an experienced trial attorney to explain your situation.  He or she will listen to your story and help you decide whether or not to pursue a claim as a result of the injuries you suffered.  However, you only have a certain amount of time to act, so contact an attorney today.