Olympus Medical Systems Corp. 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, 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.
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.
By Olympus
Posted December 28th, 2006 by Nymphadora
