Olympus Receives FDA Clearance for New High Definition Telescope Technology

Olympus, a global technology leader in designing and delivering innovative solutions for medical and surgical procedures, among other core businesses, announced today FDA clearance of its new High Definition telescope technology with Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) capabilities, which has been FDA-cleared for the improved visualization of bladder cancer. This telescope technology represents first-to-market introductions of Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) Glass for rigid surgical endoscopy. Olympus now provides the components for a full Rigid Cystoscopy HD chain for the operating room and the office.

The OES Elite 4mm HD Telescope can be used for multiple urological procedures in resection, including transurethral resection of bladder tumor procedures (TURBT) – a surgical procedure used both to visualize bladder cancer and to remove cancerous tissue. NBI technology – available only with the Olympus telescope system – has been shown in multiple studies to visualize Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer lesions in an additional 17 percent of patients, and visualized 24 percent additional tumors. Furthermore, studies have shown that NBI visualized an additional 28 percent of carcinoma in Situ (CIS) lesions.

NBI works by filtering white light into specific light wavelengths that are absorbed by hemoglobin, providing enhanced visualization of capillary networks and mucosal morphology. NBI is the world's only patented endoscopic light technology that enables effective targeting of biopsies not seen under white light and with no dyes or drugs used.

"Urologists who have seen the visualization advantages of HD and NBI have reported their excitement about the advancements," said Todd Usen, President, Medical Systems Group at Olympus Corporation of the Americas. "Earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment of urologic diseases not only improves patients' lives, but also helps to address many facilities' goals to reduce treatment costs, improve clinical outcomes and increase patient satisfaction."

Designed with performance and patient safety in mind, Olympus' suite of therapeutic devices help physicians deliver value to patients and help healthcare facilities meet the following key healthcare reform initiatives:

• Increased Quality of Care: Olympus' therapeutic energy platforms contribute to easier, more precise access to complicated anatomy, potentially reducing the risks of trauma and complications. The OES Elite HD Telescope technology contributes to better visualization, which can mean earlier detection and efficient management of the disease.
• Decreased Costs: Earlier detection and management of disease can often mean decreased costs of care, because more invasive and complicated procedures can be prevented. Bladder cancer currently has the highest lifetime treatment costs per patient of all cancers.
• Enhanced Patient Satisfaction: A reduction in more complicated procedures can mean less pain, better quality of life and shorter recovery times, all of which would contribute to increased patient satisfaction. Patients whose physicians use NBI may experience reduced discomfort during treatment and avoid more invasive forms of the disease that lead to bladder removal and creation of a neo-bladder.

The OES Elite 4mm HD Telescope will be showcased at the American Urological Association's annual meeting to be held on May 7-10 in San Diego, Calif. Healthcare providers are invited to visit the Olympus Booth #3833 for a product demonstration. For information about the new telescope technology, please contact Olympus customer service at 1-800-848-9024 FREE or visit http://medical.olympusamerica.com/products/4mm-telescope.