News Release

Olympus introduces world's smallest GI scope to offer 4-way angulation and Narrow Band Imaging

New scope's smaller diameter offers advanced insertion capability and enhanced patient comfort

Business Announcement

GolinHarris International

GIF-XP180N

image: Olympus introduces the world's smallest gastrointestinal videoscope to offer four-way angulation and Narrow Band ImagingT (NBI) to detect upper gastrointestinal abnormalities. view more 

Credit: Olympus America Inc.



CENTER VALLEY, Pa., November 10, 2009 – Olympus today introduced the world's smallest gastrointestinal videoscope to offer four-way angulation and Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) to detect upper gastrointestinal abnormalities. The super-slim scope is 5.5 mm in diameter at the distal end, as well as the insertion tube, and offers exceptional insertion capability to enhance patient comfort. The scope also features NBI, Olympus' proprietary imaging technology that filters white light to consist of specific wavelength bands enabling enhanced observation of microvessels and subtle changes on the mucosa. Together, these features provide greater flexibility to obtain remarkably clear views and visual contrast which can help to distinguish anatomical structures and fine capillary patterns that are critical components of a physician's diagnosis.

Unlike conventional super-slim scopes that only bend in two directions, the GIF-XP180N scope bends in four directions, enabling thorough examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract and optimal scope maneuverability for doctors. This feature makes the scope ideal for use in special clinical cases such as transnasal insertion and in patients with severe strictures and small anatomy. It is anticipated that the scope's super-slim design will allow routine examinations to be performed with little or no sedation, while minimizing patient discomfort.

"We have used the XP180N for various procedures including unsedated endoscopy and endoscopy in patients with tight strictures," said gastroenterologist Dr. Amitabh Chak, professor of medicine at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. "Compared to two-way angulating scopes, the major advantages of the XP180N are its maneuverability, its ability to biopsy more easily and the ease of intubating the duodenum," added Chak.

###

For additional information on GIF-XP180N, visit www.olympusamerica.com.

About Olympus Medical Systems Group

Olympus, which incorporates surgical market leader Gyrus ACMI, develops solutions for healthcare professionals that help improve outcomes and enhance quality of life for their patients. By enabling less invasive procedures, innovative diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy and early stage cancer evaluation and treatments, Olympus is transforming the future of healthcare.

About Olympus

Olympus is a precision technology leader, creating innovative opto-digital solutions in healthcare, life science and consumer electronics products.

Olympus works collaboratively with its customers and its affiliates worldwide to leverage R&D investment in precision technology and manufacturing processes across diverse business lines. These include:

  • Gastrointestinal endoscopes, accessories, and minimally invasive surgical products;
  • Advanced clinical and research microscopes;
  • Digital cameras and voice recorders.

Olympus serves the healthcare field with integrated product solutions and financial, educational and consulting services that help customers to efficiently, reliably and more easily achieve exceptional results. Olympus develops breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality for the consumer and professional photography markets, and also is the leader in gastrointestinal endoscopy and clinical and educational microscopes. For more information, visit www.olympusamerica.com.


Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.