Olympus extends portfolio of endotherapy solutions at DDW

A new electrosurgical knife is unveiled at DDW, the SB Knife 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 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 CleverCut3V 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 cauterising 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 VisiGlide 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.

"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 was showcased at the Digestive Disease Week annual conference May 6-9 in Chicago, Ill., booth #3421.