Las Vegas Urologist Convicted Of Unlawful Re-Use Of Needle Guides During Prostate Procedures

       LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Las Vegas urologist, Michael Stanley Kaplan, 59, was convicted by a federal jury today of conspiracy to commit adulteration for re-using single use needle guides during prostate procedures, announced U.S. Attorney Daniel G. Bogden for the District of Nevada.

“Dr. Kaplan made a decision to re-use needle guides in a manner that caused them to be adulterated for the purpose of enriching himself,” said U.S. Attorney Bogden. “He also concealed from his patients that they were undergoing procedures with re-used needle guides.  Such conduct is a felony when performed with the intent to defraud or mislead. This case underscores our commitment to holding accountable those medical professionals who would endanger patients for their own personal profit.”

At the time of the offense, Dr. Kaplan operated Green Valley Urology. According to the evidence presented at trial, Kaplan re-used single-use plastic needle guides during prostate procedures, causing a significant health risk to his patients. The packaging on each needle guide clearly warned that they should not be used more than once, but Dr. Kaplan instructed his staff and permitted his staff to re-use them three to five times prior to disposal.  Between about Dec. 15, 2010, and March 11, 2011, Dr. Kaplan performed approximately 120 procedures requiring a needle guide but used less than 10 guides during that period. 

Dr. Kaplan was acquitted of making false representations to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigators regarding the duration of his re-use of the needle guides.

            Dr. Kaplan is released on a personal recognizance bond and is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 30, 2015.  He faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

The case was investigated by the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Crane M. Pomerantz and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter J. Leininger.