Olympus Next-Generation Gastrointestinal Endoscopy System Is HDTV Compatible

Olympus Medical Systems Corp., Tokyo, Japan, will release the EVIS EXERA III platform, a next-generation video endoscopy system.

The new system has been designed for higher image quality and all models, except the GIF-XP190N upper slim gastroscope, are HDTV compatible.

From the announcement:

A proprietary Olympus technology called “Narrow Band Imaging” (NBI) enhances visualization of the capillary network and mucosal morphology by taking advantage of two narrow wavelengths of light (blue and green) that are easily absorbed by hemoglobin in the blood during endoscopic observation. This results in highlighted capillaries on mucosal surfaces and mucosal microstructural patterns. The EVIS EXERA III system incorporates a new xenon lamp as its light source. Brightness during NBI observation has also been improved by a combination of enhancements, including noise reduction processing in the Video System Center and increased CCD sensitivity.

In three colonoscope models, a “Passive Bending” which is flexible and is designed to aid with insertion around bends and a “High Force Transmission” which aides in almost one-to-one torque transmission, transfers pushing and pulling force to distal end more efficiently, and improves the overall column strength of the insertion tube. These technologies make it easier to insert the colonoscope in situations that require advanced techniques, resulting in patients experiencing less discomfort during endoscopy.

Unlike a conventional active bending section which can be bent in any direction by manual operation, the Passive Bending section bends naturally. The overall flexible section, which includes both conventional bending sections and Passive Bending sections, has been designed so that the curvature becomes more gradual from the tip towards the flexible tube. The aim is to improve insertability and reduce the discomfort felt by patients with adhesions between intestinal loops or between the intestine and other organs. The High Force Transmission, meanwhile, makes it easier to transmit forces from the hand to the tip of the scope. This helps achieve smooth insertion during colonoscopy where the length and shape of the large intestine sometimes make it difficult to insert the scope because force exerted by hand is dissipated by looping and twisting along the scope.

Another new feature is the One-touch Connector, a fully waterproof connector that requires only one point of contact to the system minimizing the effort required for setup from pre-examination setup to washing and disinfection after examination, and reduces the chance of human error.

The system will launch in April of this year in Europe, U.S. and Oceania.

Press release: Next-generation gastrointestinal endoscopy system EVIS EXERA III Launch…