Because our patients' well-being is the first priority at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, we want to let you know about a problem that may affect you. Recently, doctors at the Hospital found a higher than expected rate of infection in patients who had bronchoscopies using instruments made by one manufacturer. Some of these instruments were found to be defective and are part of a national recall by the manufacturer. Because there is a chance that your bronchoscopy may have involved one of these defective bronchoscopes, you may have been or may be at increased risk of infection from a common bacteria called pseudomonas (su-doh-MO-nas).

Although it is not possible to know whether you are now at increased risk, it is important that you be alert to any symptoms of infection, such as fever, coughing, increased phlegm (sputum) or increased shortness of breath. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms now, or have had them since your bronchoscopy, you or your doctor should call me right away at [phone #]. If you would like to be seen at Hopkins for evaluation and testing, at no cost to you, please call (410)-955-0272. If you need local transportation to come for your appointment, we will arrange this for you. If you or your doctor have other questions or concerns, please call our general information number 1-(800)-347-8615 and they will arrange for someone to return your call.

If we learn anything more about how this situation may affect you and your health, we will write or call you.

Sincerely,
[doctor]