Olympus has received 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its advanced EZ1500 series endoscopes, which incorporate Extended Depth of Field (EDOF) technology.
According to the medical technology firm, the GIF-EZ1500 gastroscope and CF-EZ1500DL/I colonoscope form part of the EVIS X1 endoscopy system.
Olympus said that the introduction of EDOF technology in these endoscopes allows for sharp imaging by maintaining the entire lesion in focus, aiding endoscopists as they examine the mucosal lining within the gastrointestinal tract. This is achieved through a dual-prism system that splits light entering the lens into two beams, resulting in a combined image with a wide depth of field.
Olympus senior vice president and gastrointestinal solutions general manager Kurt Heine said: “As a leading global MedTech company, Olympus remains committed to providing advanced options to help physicians offer their patients the best care possible.
“Our goal is to elevate the standard of endoscopy, and EDOF technology represents Olympus’ most advanced scope technology to help physicians drive the best clinical outcomes for advancing gastrointestinal procedures.”
Compared to previous Olympus models, the EDOF technology enhances visibility and reduces blurring. The EZ1500 series permits examination at closer distances in normal mode compared to the previous CF-HQ190L/I model—3mm instead of 5mm—without blurring, reducing the necessity to switch modes.
Additionally, these endoscopes feature a lightweight ErgoGrip control section and support Texture and Color Enhancement Imaging (TXI), Red Dichromatic Imaging (RDI), and Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) when linked with the EVIS X1 CV-1500 video system. The ErgoGrip section is 10% lighter than its predecessor, designed to be user-friendly with accessible control knobs to support ease of use.
The EVIS X1 system aims to transform gastrointestinal disorder diagnosis and treatment with its advanced diagnostic, therapeutic technologies, and enhanced scope handling. It seeks to ensure high-quality patient care across all procedures for every endoscopist.
Besides EDOF, the EVIS X1 system also includes TXI technology for enhanced lesion visibility, RDI for improved visibility of deep blood vessels, and NBI for better observation of mucosal and vascular patterns. Brightness Adjustment Imaging with Maintenance of Contrast (BAI-MAC) is also featured for balancing brightness levels in endoscopic images.
These technologies are said to supplement Olympus’s white light imaging but are not intended as replacements for histopathological sampling in diagnosis.
