Product Hightlights

Olympus Introduces World’s First Autoclavable 5mm HD Deflectable Videolaparoscope

Olympus America Inc. introduced a new surgical imaging platform, VISERA ELITE, and a new 5mm HD deflectable videolaparoscope, the ENDOEYE FLEX 5, to help advance minimally invasive surgical procedures. The VISERA ELITE platform is equipped with HDTV imaging capability and advanced image processing to provide the best possible image for Olympus surgical scopes across multiple specialties.

The ENDOEYE FLEX 5 offers HD resolution in a 5mm diameter scope. The device uses digital-chip technology to place the camera on the tip of the scope, delivering high-quality, bright images and enabling doctors to see fine details during surgical procedures. Additionally, the scope allows for 100 degree angulation in all directions providing complete visualization of complex anatomical structures. The deflectable tip on the ENDOEYE FLEX 5 offers surgeons the flexibility to change the direction of view giving them a new way to observe the anatomy. It also minimizes potential collisions between instruments, which is common when operating in narrow spaces during procedures like single-site surgery, helping to ensure intra-abdominal triangulation. Finally, the ENDOEYE FLEX 5 is autoclavable which can result in significant reprocessing cost savings for the hospital.

The ENDOEYE FLEX 5 is well-positioned to meet the needs of surgeons adopting advanced surgical techniques in a wide range of bariatric, thoracic, colorectal and other specialties, including the single-site surgery approach. Olympus offers a system solution for single-site surgery, comprised of access, visualization and instrumentation. In Laparo-Endoscopic Single-Site (LESS) surgery, the TriPort+ access system is placed into an umbilical incision allowing single-port access for up to four instruments. The ENDOEYE FLEX 5 allows the surgeon to get the desired view and position the scope away from the instruments. After the procedure, the surgeon removes the port, allowing the natural contours of the bellybutton to help hide the small surgical incision. Single-site surgery has the potential to result in improved cosmesis for patients over traditional open surgery.

“Our aim as a leading global healthcare company is not only to design our products using cutting-edge technology, but also to ensure that our medical products contribute to a healthier and happier way of life for people worldwide,” commented Luke Calcraft, President and COO of Olympus Corporation of the Americas. “Now in its 5th generation, Olympus’ ENDOEYE FLEX 5 and Visera Elite platform further strengthen Olympus’ portfolio of surgical products by enhancing the performance and functionality for surgeons.”

The VISERA ELITE surgical platform is compatible with Olympus’ ENDOALPHA, Surgical Integration Solution. ENDOALPHA simplifies OR workflow in a simple, seamless, efficient and effective manner – offering central room control to access preset profiles, selection of surgery scenes and instant customization.

While there is still much to be learned, single port laparoscopy represents the next step in minimally invasive surgery. Not all patients will be candidates for single incision (single port) surgery. Also, for some patients additional incisions or open surgery may be required.

For more information about Olympus’ minimally invasive procedures and equipment visit us at www.olympusamerica.com/LESS.

Olympus Develops World’s Fastest Endoscope Reprocessor

Olympus has launched the OER-Pro, the fastest technology in automated endoscope reprocessing that allows for modified cleaning of the endoscope prior to disinfection. It is the only reprocessor on the market designed by an endoscope manufacturer specifically for Olympus endoscopes to ensure complete compatibility. Though compact, requiring less than half the space of conventional reprocessors, the OER-Pro can simultaneously clean and disinfect two flexible endoscopes in 29 minutes—faster than any other model. The OER-Pro also comes equipped with casters for increased mobility and accessibility.

Perhaps the most beneficial advancement that this machine provides is automated manual flushing of the endoscope channels, the most difficult and variable part of the endoscope cleaning process. Additionally, the new reprocessor uses a high-level disinfectant called Aldahol, which has been demonstrated to have enhanced mycobactericidal and sporicidal activity relative to other aldehyde-based disinfectants.

Equipped with a simple-to-use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) management system, the OER-Pro records the scope serial and model numbers, operator, and time of reprocessing to eliminate cumbersome manual input from a keypad or barcode. For more information about Olympus’ OER-Pro, click here.

The New Olympus V-System™ Features the Only Duodenoscope With NBI

The new V-System™ simplifies and enhances the efficiency of therapeutic ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography), seamlessly integrating the new TJF-Q180V duodenoscope with V-System devices. The TJF-Q180V is the first duodenoscope to feature Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) for enhanced observation of the mucosa and capillary layers, and it also features a larger and higher resolution image than its predecessor.

The Olympus V-System suits a variety of techniques and broadens the range of feasible scope positions. The guidewire locking mechanism on the TJF-Q180V securely locks a 0.025 inch or 0.035 inch guidewire to support a short guidewire exchange. Traditionally, short-wire systems have been limited in their ability to use devices other than those sold with the proprietary system. The new Olympus V-System has been designed as an “open system,” which offers clinicians the flexibility to combine other proprietary devices to best match their clinical needs and achieve cost efficiency. To view the press release, click here.

Olympus Introduces Portable Intubation Bronchoscopes for Versatile Convenience

Whether used in the OR, ICU, ER or education training center, the Olympus Airway Mobilescope (MAF-GM-SET or MAF-TM-SET) offers a convenient, portable solution for airway access. The Mobilescope is designed to provide portable airway management to a wide range of hospital staff who do not have immediate access to standard video equipment. With a monitor, LED light source, battery and recording device all housed in a single unit, this versatile scope enables observations without peripherals or cables. Its 2.5- inch monitor controls operations in a single view, and an xD-Picture Card enables you to capture both still images and video for easy referencing and management.

Unlike a standard videoscope, the MAF is a hybrid; the endoscopic image is converted into an electrical signal and then transmitted via the image guide to the CCD housed in the camera section of the scope.

Usually intubation is completed with a standard Macintosh blade. For difficult cases where a blade cannot complete the insertion, however, the MAF scope offers a convenient solution. Mobile and quickly accessible, the MAF Airway Mobilescope is ideal for situations requiring immediate visibility and image capture capabilities or for staff intubation training purposes. In addition, the larger size MAF-TM model includes a 2.6 mm working channel that provides excellent suction capability and the ability to perform diagnostic bronchoscopies such as BAL, biopsy and brushing. For more information, click here.

HALO PKS™ Cutting Forceps Provides Hand Activation for Laparoscopic and Open Surgery

The HALO PKS™ Cutting Forceps is the latest innovation to the PK® Technology advanced bipolar platform. Over 125 surgeons across three specialties were consulted to develop an instrument handle that is ergonomic in design and comfortable to use no matter what glove size.

With the HALO PKS Cutting Forceps, a surgeon can grasp, dissect, transect, retract, and coagulate all with one new, ergonomic, advanced bipolar energy instrument. It offers a variety of features, including:

• An easy-to-access hand coagulation button, eliminating the need for a foot pedal
• A rotation wheel, for fingertip control up to 330° of distal tip rotation
• An LED to indicate the device is selected on the generator
• An ergonomically positioned cut blade trigger to provide easy, one-handed access and to minimize fatigue
• An optional latch slide to provide a consistent grasp on tissue and to reduce hand fatigue

To download Olympus’ HALO PKS Cutting Forceps brochure, click here.

Olympus Expands Platform to Benefit Men Living With BPH

Olympus PlasmaButton™ vaporization is a new surgical option that is now available to doctors for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As opposed to conventional transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), this new procedure does not shave off tissue with a loop or burn it away with a laser, but gently vaporizes the tissue with a small, button-shaped electrode. Using low-voltage energy, the Olympus PlasmaButton electrode creates a plasma field that coats the half-spherical shaped button. Tissue in contact with the electrode is vaporized. More advanced than standard loop resection or laser surgery, Olympus PlasmaButton vaporization provides the patient with the maximum degree of safety while being just as effective as current treatment options.

The revolutionary Olympus PlasmaButton vaporization technology can now be used with the Gyrus ACMI SuperPulse® Generator platform. Together, the Olympus PlasmaButton electrode and SuperPulse Generator provide physicians and patients with a new, virtually bloodless treatment option for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate.

In contrast to other standard energy treatments that operate with high temperature, Olympus PlasmaButton vaporization uses low-temperature plasma energy to safely remove BPH tissue while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Side effects following surgery can vary by individual and the device is not intended for the use and treatment of prostate cancer. The Olympus PlasmaButton vaporization method, however, may minimize side effects resulting in: shorter procedure times and catheterization periods following the procedure; briefer post-operative hospital stays; minimal post-operative discomfort; and a quicker return to normal activities for the patient. For a copy of the patient education brochure, click here.

DUR®-8 Ultra Sets a New Gold Standard in Flexible Fiberoptic Ureteroscopy

With the launch of the DUR®-8 Ultra, Olympus has introduced the next evolution in flexible fiberoptic ureteroscopy. The scope’s ergonomic design, suitable for both right- and left-handed users, incorporates a stiffer shaft for easier insertion of the DUR-8 Ultra into the ureter, providing quick access for treating kidney stones. The stiffer shaft also translates to reduced repairs caused by torque on the ureteroscope during difficult procedures. Fully redesigned to be even more durable when reprocessed in pressurized hydrogen peroxide sterilizers, the DUR-8 Ultra also incorporates an integrated leakage tester to detect damage earlier, improving patient safety from cross-contamination while reducing repair costs.

In addition, a redesigned active bending section provides maximum flexibility and durability with a deflection range of 270° up and 270° down, all triggered with a single lever. The passive bending section reduces damage while allowing access to difficult to reach areas of the kidney . Proven to be more durable and resulting in fewer “black dots,” the Olympus fiberoptics, along with a moiré reduction filter, provide crystal-clear imaging even with the most advanced HD video systems. To download the DUR-8 Ultra brochure, click here.