Olympus News

Spiration Acquisition Expands Olympus Solutions for Pulmonologists and Thoracic Surgeons

In the respiratory market, Olympus is the leader globally in both endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and flexible bronchoscopy. Building upon our commitment to expand endoscopic applications for pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons, Olympus Corporation has acquired Spiration, Inc., a company specializing in minimally invasive devices for the treatment of acute and chronic conditions of the lung. Spiration's products are an ideal complement to the Olympus portfolio of video bronchoscopes and equipment. The combination of those products with Spiration's expertise helps enhance our offerings to customers who provide endoscopic diagnosis, treatment and observations of non-cancer conditions in the airways and lungs.

Prior to the acquisition, Olympus had an exclusive agreement with Spiration to market and distribute Spiration’s IBV Valve System in Europe and Japan. This device is designed for the bronchoscopic treatment of emphysema and air leaks of the lung.

In the United States, the IBV Valve System is a Humanitarian Use Device approved by the FDA for control of prolonged air leaks following certain lung surgeries. The IBV Valve System is also the subject of a pivotal clinical trial to evaluate its use in treating severe emphysema.

Spiration, now operated as a stand-alone subsidiary under the name Olympus Respiratory America, is based in Redmond, WA, and employs 50 people. To view the press release, click here. For more information about Spiration and its products, click here.

Charitable Auction Supports Colorectal Cancer Research

A Win for Charleston Surgery Center and the EIF’s National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance

In August, Charleston Surgery Center in North Charleston, SC, had the winning auction bid to acquire an Olympus EVIS EXERA II™ 180 HD platform. The charitable fundraiser was open to hospitals and clinics across the United States, with proceeds from the auction of the donated Olympus equipment going to the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance (EIF’s NCCRA) to benefit colorectal cancer research.

It was a win for both the EIF’s NCCRA and Charleston Surgery Center, garnering the Center a state-of-the-art Olympus endoscopy system at a cost below market value and providing NCCRA with a check for $156,924—the total value of the bid—to benefit colorectal cancer research. Charleston Surgery Center’s new EVIS EXERA II 180 HD platform provides its patients with access to the highest quality technology for the detection and prevention of colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal disorders.

Internal Testing Assesses Performance of Five Reprocessed PKS™ Cutting Forceps

The FDA allows more than 100 different items designated as single-use devices (SUDs) to be reprocessed.¹ In fact, the 2002 FDA survey found that 24% of all US hospitals reused SUDs, with 25% of those being reprocessing laparoscopic/endoscopic instruments.²

The Quality Team recently performed internal testing to evaluate the performance of five reprocessed, sterile PKS™ Cutting Forceps—a single-use device with a five-in-one design to grasp, dissect, coagulate, transect and retract tissue.

These five devices were tested using the same methods Gyrus Medical currently uses to determine whether newly manufactured devices meet performance specifications. While this study was not intended to address the safety or effectiveness of reprocessed SUDs, it did provide some important insight. The devices passed most of the tests conducted, but there were some deficiencies. For a summary of the study performed and the key findings, click here.

¹ GAO, Reprocessed Single-Use Medical Devices, 2008 ASCENT reprocessing services list.
² Food and Drug Administration, Executive Summary--Survey on the Reuse and Reprocessing of Single-Use Devices (SUDs) in U.S. Hospitals. Accessed 10-11-10. http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/ReprocessingofSingle-UseDevices/ucm121678.htm

Olympus Corporation Acquires Spirus Medical

On July 4, 2011, Olympus Corporation announced that it has acquired Spirus Medical, a company specializing in the development of devices which aid in the insertion and advancement of endoscopes for upper and lower endoscopy. As a result of the agreement, Spirus became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gyrus ACMI, Inc., which is a consolidated subsidiary of Olympus.

Spirus is highly complementary to the Olympus portfolio of endoscopic devices. The combination of Olympus’ world renowned endoscope technology and Spirus’ technological proficiencies will support Olympus’ strategy of exploring new innovations for future generations of endoscope products.

This is an exciting global development for Olympus as we continue to grow our position as one of the world’s leading medical device companies. Olympus believes that this acquisition will enhance our current offering to endoscopic observation, diagnosis and treatment, enabling us to ensure that our customers remain at the forefront of improving patient care.

For more information, please see the press release.

Olympus’ NBI Technology Recognized by the Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation

Olympus’ revolutionary Narrow Band Imaging technology has been awarded the Prime Minister Prize at the 2011 National Commendation for Invention and Innovation.

The Prime Minister Prize is awarded to scientists and engineers who have made original and outstanding achievements in science and technology, markedly serving the cause of prosperity for humankind.

“Being selected for the Prime Minister Prize at the 2011 National Commendation for Invention is a humbling experience and a privileged opportunity to highlight Olympus’ ongoing commitment to further technological innovation, thereby allowing physicians to enhance patient care,” said Michael C. Woodford, President and COO of Olympus Corporation.

NBI is a real-time, proprietary imaging technology developed by Olympus to enhance the surface of the gastrointestinal tract during endoscopic observation. NBI uses two preselected narrow bands within the white light spectrum known to interact predictably with human tissue. This provides enhanced visual contrast of the surface structure and fine capillary patterns of the mucous membranes, which can sometimes be difficult to distinguish using conventional, white light systems.

“We have found NBI to be an extremely beneficial addition to the tools available for endoscopic diagnosis, treatment and video observation, allowing us to see more,” stated Dr. Prateek Sharma, Professor of Medicine.

Physicians can easily toggle between regular white light endoscopy and NBI imaging at the touch of a button on the scope.