Olympus Medical Systems Corporation (President: Akihiro Taguchi) will launch two new magnifying endoscopes to support the detailed observation and diagnosis of lesions such as stomach or colon tumors. The GIF-H290Z Gastrointestinal Videoscope will be launched in Japan in October 2014 and the CF-HQ290ZL/I Colonovideoscope during the 2014 fiscal year. Launch in other markets will follow^*1.

The new endoscopes provide a magnification function by adjusting the position of the lenses located at the tip of the tubular probe (approximate diameter: 10 mm). The newly released GIF-H290Z endoscope that is inserted orally and used for observation of the esophagus and stomach can provide magnification of up to x85^*2. Furthermore, a reduction in outer diameter of about 1 mm compared to previous models^*3 helps minimize the discomfort on the patient. The CF-HQ290ZL/I Colonovideoscope, meanwhile, is intended for observation of the colon with insertion from the anus and provides magnification of up to x80^*2. It also provides even crisper images with high-definition video to that available on previous models^*4.

*1	The products will be available upon declaration of conformity, product registrations, or market clearance in each country's jurisdiction.
*2	When using Olympus's High Definition LCD Monitor OEV262H
*3	EVIS LUCERA Gastrointestinal Videoscope Olympus GIF Type H260Z (launched in November 2006)
*4	EVIS LUCERA Colonovideoscope Olympus CF Type H260AZL/I (launched in December 2002)

Launch Overview

Product Name
EVIS LUCERA ELITE Gastrointestinal Videoscope OLYMPUS GIF-H290Z
EVIS LUCERA ELITE Colonovideoscope OLYMPUS CF-HQ290ZL/I

Main Features

1. x80 (approx.) optical magnification facilitates detailed observation
2. 1mm (approx.) reduction in diameter helps minimize discomfort on patient (GIF-H290Z)
3. Clear images and wider field of view for easier identification, observation, and diagnosis of lesions (CF-HQ290ZL/I)

Development Background

The growing emphasis in recent years on reducing the cost and improving the efficiency of medical care has prompted interest in the use of endoscope examinations for the early detection and treatment of cancer and other conditions. In particular, the ability of endoscopes equipped with optical magnification to provide an enlarged view of mucosa at magnifications of around x80 has the potential for use in detailed examinations for the early detection of small tumors and other conditions, with the use of magnifying endoscopes for narrow band imaging (NBI)^*5 having been recognized for insurance purposes in Japan since FY2010 (through the allocation of "additional points for NBI highlighting").

Olympus has targeted its development of these magnifying endoscopes on reducing the stress they impose on the patient and on improving image quality, leading to the launch of these two new models.

*5	Narrow band imaging (NBI) is an imaging technique for examining features such as the small blood vessels in mucosa and the surface patterns. NBI highlights tissue by illuminating it with two narrow bands (wavelengths) of light that are absorbed by the hemoglobin in blood.

Details of Main Features

1. x80 (approx.) optical magnification facilitates detailed observation

The GIF-H290Z Gastrointestinal Videoscope and CF-HQ290ZL/I Colonovideoscope are capable of optical magnifications of up to x85 and x80 respectively. They aid detailed examination and diagnosis by providing realistic imaging of small features such as blood vessels and the surface patterns on mucous membranes. The new models also feature a more responsive zoom lever, which the operator uses to change the magnification. This makes it easier to conduct examinations under magnification by facilitating small adjustments to the magnification in situations such as when focus is lost by getting too close to the tissue being examined, for example.

NBI image of esophagus (not enlarged)	NBI image of esophagus (enlarged)

Images courtesy of Dr. Haruhiro Inoue (Showa University Koto Toyosu Hospital)

2. 1mm (approx.) reduction in diameter helps minimize discomfort on patient (GIF-H290Z)

The tip diameter on the new GIF-H290Z Gastrointestinal Videoscope has been reduced by about 1 mm compared to the previous model^*3 (from 10.8mm to 9.9mm). This helps minimize the discomfort on the patient.

3. Clear images and wider field of view for easier identification, observation, and diagnosis of lesions

The new CF-HQ290ZL/I Colonovideoscope features enhanced image quality with crisper images than the previous high-definition model^*4. The field of view has also been expanded from 140° to 170° (under normal conditions) to assist the detection of hidden lesions on the folded surfaces of the colon.

Observation inside colon (Easier detection of lesions on underside of folds)