Olympus Extends Portfolio of EndoTherapy Solutions at DDW

New Sphincterotomes, New ESD Knife Add to Market-Leading Endoscopic Therapeutic Device Line, Leveraging the Value of Olympus Capital Equipment

Olympus announces availability of new endoscopic therapeutic devices at Digestive Disease Week conference May 6-9 in Chicago, Ill., a signal of the Olympus commitment to innovation in the field of endoscopy. The CleverCut3V Distal Wireguided Oblique Tip device is designed to align the axis of the sphincterotome to the bile duct, improving cannulation success and reducing unintended pancreatic duct manipulation. The CleverCut3V Distal Wireguided Short Bend sphincterotome is designed to provide a closer approach to the papilla. The SB Knife allows the physician to perform en-bloc resection of larger lesions and can help the patient avoid open surgery.

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., (May 4, 2017) – Olympus, a global technology leader in designing and delivering innovative solutions for medical and surgical procedures, among other core businesses, announced today the availability of several new endoscopic therapeutic devices, to be unveiled at the upcoming Digestive Disease Week conference May 6-9 in Chicago, Ill. The expansion of the market leading offerings is a signal of the Olympus commitment to innovation and advancement in the field of endoscopy and builds on Olympus’ history as a pioneer in Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD).

A new electrosurgical knife is unveiled at DDW, the SB KnifeTM Monopolar ESD Knife. The availability of the device in the U.S. is made possible by an exclusive distribution agreement between Olympus and Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd. and is a natural extension from Olympus’ pioneering influence in the early development of ESD as a practice (first identified as a procedure separate from endoscopic mucosal resection in 2003). This scissors-type device, named for the shape of the pincers of a stag beetle (SB), is used in ESD to remove early gastric cancers that have not entered the muscle layer. The minimally invasive endoscopic procedure allows the physician to perform en-bloc resection of larger lesions (defined as specimen removal as a single piece) and can help the patient avoid open surgery.

Although gastric cancer is more common in other parts of the world, in the U.S. 28,000 cases of stomach cancer will be diagnosed per year (17,750 in men and 10,250 in women), according to the American Cancer Society. About 10,960 people will die per year from this type of cancer (6,720 men and 4,240 women).

Additionally, two new sphincterotomes will be introduced, the CleverCut3VTM Distal Wireguided Oblique Tip and the CleverCut3V Distal Wireguided Short Bend Tip. The CleverCut3V Distal Wireguided Oblique Tip device has been designed to align the axis of the sphincterotome to the bile duct and improve cannulation success while reducing unintended pancreatic duct manipulation. The CleverCut3V Distal Wireguided Short Bend Tip sphincterotome has been designed to provide a closer approach to the papilla and allow for cannulation while in a sub-optimal scope position. According to Truven Health, approximately 600,000 Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Procedures (ERCP) are performed every year. Sphincterotomes are used during the procedure to enlarge the opening of the biliary sphincter via an electrical cauterizing wire or knife, allowing the endoscopist access to pancreaticobiliary anatomy for the purposes of bile duct stone extraction, treatment of papillary stenosis, and to carry out other diagnostic and therapeutic applications such as ductal sampling, stone extraction and stent placement.

These new sphincterotome offerings build upon Olympus’ decades-long track record for excellent cutting performance, ideal “11 o’clock” orientation and CleverCut coating safety design. They are designed for use in combination with the VisiGlideTM line of guidewires to enable smooth and successful ERCP access.

“Building on the leadership of our capital equipment for endoscopic procedures as well as our early role in ESD procedures, Olympus has committed significant effort toward working alongside experts to introduce innovative devices that will assist physicians in performing complicated procedures with ease,” said Kurt Heine, Group Vice President of the Endoscopy Division at Olympus America Inc. “With improved patient outcomes, cost containment and patient satisfaction as our foremost goals, we will continue to raise the bar for facilities and physicians addressing digestive disorders.”

The new sphincterotomes and SB Knife will be showcased at the Digestive Disease Week annual conference May 6-9 in Chicago, Ill., booth #3421. To learn more about endoscopic therapeutic devices from Olympus, please call 1-800-848-9024 or visit us at http://medical.olympusamerica.com.

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About Olympus Medical Systems Group
Olympus Medical Systems Group, a division of global technology leader Olympus, develops solutions for healthcare professionals that help improve clinical outcomes, reduce overall costs 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.medical.olympusamerica.com.