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

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., Oct. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Olympus America Inc. introduced a new surgical imaging platform, VISERA ELITE, and a new 5mm HD deflectable videolaparoscope, the ENDOEYE FLEX 5, today at the American College of Surgeons 97th Annual Clinical Congress in San Francisco. 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 in 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 additional information on Laparo-Endoscopic Single-Site surgery (LESS), please visit: http://www.olympusamerica.com/LESS/.

About Olympus Medical Systems Group

Olympus 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 lung cancer evaluation and treatments, Olympus is transforming the future of healthcare.

For more information visit Olympus at www.olympusamerica.com.

SOURCE Olympus America Inc.