Developers: | Olympus |
Date of the premiere of the system: | November 2023 |
Branches: | Pharmaceuticals, Medicine, Healthcare |
2023: Recognition of the problem of burns to patients
On November 9, 2023, Olympus released clarifications and recommendations regarding reports of cases of endobronchial burn during therapy with the company's bronchoscopes. It is noted that medical institutions can continue to use equipment subject to operational requirements.
Olympus bronchoscopes are designed for endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of the airways and tracheobronchial tree. The company has complained of an endobronchial burn occurring during therapeutic procedures involving the use of high-frequency therapy equipment in an oxygenated environment. In particular, cases of significant harm to the health of patients were recorded, and one of these incidents led to death.
Olympus said in a notice that the company's bronchoscopes are only compatible with 810 nm diode lasers and a solid-state Nd: YAG laser (a neodymium ion-doped aluminum-yttrium garnet is used as the active medium). Testing with other lasers was not carried out, and therefore Olympus cannot guarantee the safety of their use. However, the use of incompatible equipment can lead to burns to the airways or lungs, which will require additional medical intervention, long rehabilitation procedures and/or intensive care. In the most severe cases, the death of the patient is not excluded.
This is not a revocable program. Olympus bronchoscopes can continue to be used in conjunction with compatible high-frequency therapy equipment, following the instructions and warnings contained in the operating manual. The safety of patients and healthcare professionals, as well as reducing any potential risks, are our top priorities, the manufacturer said in a statement.[1] |