Endoscope manufacturer faces $1M lawsuit after demo explosion (Becker’s GI & Endoscopy)

A routine endoscope demonstration at a Texas hospital allegedly turned into a medical-device mishap when a pressurized water bottle connected to a CO₂ insufflator burst, causing severe hearing damage to a hospital employee wearing hearing aids. She is now seeking more than $1 million in damages, including medical costs, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Fujifilm disputes responsibility, arguing that a hospital employee activated the CO₂ valve despite instructions to turn it off. The case raises an unusual but important question around safety protocols for equipment demonstrations and handling pressurized endoscopy systems.