Olympus Introduces the World's Only Integrated Bipolar and Ultrasonic Energy Platform

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., March 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Olympus, a precision technology leader in designing and delivering innovative solutions in Medical and Surgical Products, among other core businesses, today announced FDA clearance of its revolutionary THUNDERBEAT hand instruments and universal surgical platform.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120320/PH73718 )

THUNDERBEAT is the world's only surgical device that combines advanced bipolar and ultrasonic energies into a single multi-functional hand instrument allowing surgeons to simultaneously seal and cut vessels up to and including 7 mm in size with minimal thermal spread. Additionally, it boasts the fastest cutting speed, delivers reliable vessel sealing, and provides the highest grasping forces at the tip when compared to the leading energy instruments currently on the market.

"This is a significant advancement in surgical energy instrument technology," stated Charlie Goodwin, Group Vice President of Olympus' Surgical Business. "Previously, surgeons had to choose between the benefits of bipolar or ultrasonic energy when selecting an advanced energy instrument. THUNDERBEAT eliminates that difficult decision by combining both energies into a single multi-functional instrument," added Goodwin.

THUNDERBEAT, when combined with the versatility of the ESG-400 electrosurgical generator, is the only surgical tissue management system that delivers every common form of energy used in surgery today (monopolar, bipolar, ultrasonic and advanced bipolar) as well as the revolutionary combination of advanced bipolar and ultrasonic energies. This will appeal to hospital administrators interested in the cost savings associated with standardizing on a single energy platform as it could reduce the number of discrete systems required in any given surgical procedure. Additionally, THUNDERBEAT includes a standard 5-year warranty within the U.S. only.

"Our aim as a leading global healthcare company is to advance medical and surgical techniques and minimally invasive procedures, through the development of inspiring technological solutions and innovative products like THUNDERBEAT, that overcome the day-to-day constraints that physicians and surgeons face," said Luke Calcraft, President of Olympus Corporation of the Americas' Medical Systems Group. "Olympus is committed to helping physicians and surgeons perform advanced procedures that elevate the standards of patient care and deliver better treatment, while improving outcomes and enhancing quality of life," continued Calcraft.

THUNDERBEAT joins Olympus' extensive portfolio of surgical energy devices and hand instruments.  It is the world's only platform that combines advanced bipolar and ultrasonic energies into a single, multi-functional hand instrument, allowing surgeons to rapidly and simultaneously seal and cut vessels up to and including 7 mm in size with minimal thermal spread.

THUNDERBEAT hand instruments can be used in Open, Laparoscopic (including Single-Site surgery) General Surgery, Urologic Surgery, Gynecologic Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Bowel Resection, Cholecystectomy, Nissen Fundoplication, Adhesiolysis, Oophorectomy, Hysterectomy (both vaginally assisted and abdominal) and Endoscopic Surgery, or in any procedure in which cutting, vessel ligation (sealing and cutting), coagulation, grasping, and dissection is performed.

THUNDERBEAT has not been shown to be effective for tubal sterilization and should not be used for these procedures.

For more information about Olympus' THUNDERBEAT  products visit www.olympusamerica.com/thunderbeat or contact your sales representative.

About Olympus Medical Systems

Olympus is a leader in the advancement of less invasive patient care. Olympus develops solutions for healthcare professionals that help improve outcomes and enhance the quality of life for their patients. By enabling minimally invasive procedures, innovative diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, and early-stage lung cancer evaluation and treatments, Olympus is transforming the future of healthcare.

For more information about Olympus America, visit www.olympusamerica.com.

SOURCE Olympus America Inc.