December 26, 2006

Olympus Launches EVIS LUCERA SPECTRUM Video Imaging System for NBI Support for Normal Light Imaging and Narrow Band Imaging (NBI)

EVIS LUCERA SPECTRUM Video Imaging System for NBI

Olympus Medical Systems Corp. (President: Haruhito Morishima) is pleased to announce the launch of the EVIS LUCERA SPECTRUM Video Imaging System for NBI . In addition to normal light observation, the new system also offers a Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) function. The NBI provides enhanced imaging of the capillaries and mucosal patterns on the mucosal surface layers using two narrow-band wavelengths. It is expected to help the early detection of cancer, and the diagnosis of the malignancy and scope of lesions. Olympus plans to commence sales in Japan on January 12, 2007. The new product will be launched progressively in Asian markets, including China, South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore.

This system is the latest addition to the EVIS LUCERA SPECTRUM range of video imaging systems. While the system first launched in June 2006, features three imaging functions using specific light spectra*1, the new product incorporates the Narrow Band Imaging (NBI), which is highly regarded by medical professionals and has been reported in many clinical studies about its applications. Olympus will promote the system with NBI as a tool applicable widely to endoscopic diagnosis The NBI capability can be used with the system attached to existing Olympus video-scopes*2.

*1  (1) See attached data for more information on NBI. (2) Auto Fluorescence Imaging (AFI): This specific spectra observation technology uses excitation light (390–470 nm) to observe auto fluorescence from collagen and other fluorescent substances, and irradiation with light at a wavelength readily absorbed by circulating hemoglobin (540-560nm) to create enhanced images based on coloration differences in tumorous and normal mucosa. (3) Infra Red Imaging: it visualizes blood vessels and blood flows deep in the mucosal membranes, which are difficult to image visually using normal light, by intravenously administering a pigment that readily absorbs infrared light and then irradiating the target site with two types of infrared light (790-820nm/905-970nm).   *2 Olympus recommends the use of a high-resolution video-scope to obtain the full benefit of NBI technology.

Background

Japan’s cancer mortality rate has tended to rise in recent years in step with demographic aging. However, the mortality rate for gastrointestinal cancers, especially stomach cancers is trending downwards. Advances in medical technology, including early diagnosis and treatment made possible by endoscopy and other technologies, are believed to have played a role in this improvement. Endoscopes have become essential tools for detailed examinations, diagnosis and treatment, including gastrointestinal screening to detect lesions. Endoscopic diagnosis technology requires the best possible image resolution to detect subtle colors and minute irregularities, especially in mucosal membranes. In 2002 HDTV imaging was introduced.

Olympus has developed a new diagnostic tool that depicts enhanced images of characteristic lesions in the superficial and deep layers of the mucosa by using special light spectra for imaging. and in June 2006 the EVIS LUCERA SPECTRUM video imaging system was launched to assist the early detection of minute lesions associated with cancer and tumors, and detailed examinations to determine the extent of lesions prior to surgery.

In addition to normal light imaging, this system also provides Narrow Band Imaging, which is one of the three specific spectra observation technologies. Many papers on NBI applications have been published in journals and circulated at conferences ever since its initial introduction. By releasing the additional system of EVIS LUCERA SPECTRUM,, Olympus aims to promote increased use of specific spectra observation as a new diagnostic tool.

Technical Explanation of Narrow Band Imaging (NBI*3)

NBI creates enhanced images of capillaries in the surface layers of mucosal membranes and minute patterns on mucosal membranes by irradiating target areas with light in two narrow wave bands that are strongly absorbed by circulating hemoglobin. The system of NBI uses blue narrow band light (390-445 nm) to image capillaries in the surface layers of mucosal membranes, and green narrow band light (530-550 nm) to image thick blood vessels located inside membranes while enhancing the contrast of surface capillaries. This approach also has the potential to improve the efficiency of clinical examinations by reducing examination times and unnecessary biopsies.

There is another method that is a spectral image estimation based on signal processing while NBI is an optical image enhancement. However, this method may not produce the desired benefits, since the results vary according to the state of the mucosal tissues and the observation conditions. With NBI, the wave length of the actual light used to illuminate the site is specified, ensuring effective, reliable enhancement of capillaries and mucosal patterns on mucosal surfaces.

*3  “NBI” and “Narrow Band Imaging” are registered trademarks of Olympus Corporation.

Potential Applications and Examples of Use

NBI has been investigated in examination of the hypo-pharynx, esophagus, colon, stomach and various other areas, Many papers on its applications have been published in journals and circulated at scientific meetings.

Area of Application Potential Application Hypo-pharynx, esophagus Lesion identification and benign/malignant diagnosis for hypo-pharynx cancer, early esophageal cancer and lesions in Barrett’s esophagus*4 Colon Diagnosis of minute polyps, malignancy diagnosis through observation of pit patterns using close-up/magnifying observation Stomach Diagnosis of cancerous tissue type

*4  “A condition in which gastric acid reflux causes repeated inflammation of the esophageal mucosa, leading to the replacement of the mucosa with columnar epithelial cells from the gastric mucosa.

Colon adenoma imaging under normal light Colon adenoma imaging by NBI   Colon adenoma imaging by NBI combined with magnifying function

(Pictures by Dr. Yasushi Sano, Division of Digestive Endoscopy and Gastrointestinal Oncology, National Cancer Center, East Hospital（Medical Corporation Kunpuu-kai Sano Hospital)

Main Specifications

EVIS LUCERA Video System Center CV-260SL

Dimensions 382mm (W) x 78mm (H) x 498mm (D) Weight 9.4kg Power consumption 150VA Image signal output HDTV (RGB: 1 or YprPb: 1) , SDTV (RGB: 3, Y/C: 2, NTSC: 2) Main functions Specific spectra observation: narrow band imaging (NBI), auto fluorescence imaging (AFI), infra red imaging (IRI), HDTV signal output, adaptive IHb color adjustment, IHb pseudo-color display, structure enhancement, digital zoom, video color shift correction, flash release, auto photometry, pre-freeze, auto white balance

EVIS LUCERA Xenon Light Source CLV-260NBI

Dimensions 381mm (W) x 162mm (H) x 536mm (D) Weight 16kg Power consumption 500VA Lamp Xenon 300W Main functions Specific spectra observation: narrow band imaging (NBI) ±8-level automatic light level adjustment, 3 fan levels (high, medium, low), automatic switching of emergency lights