Olympus : Four new bronchoscope models released, BF-P190/290 and BF-XP190/290

Olympus Medical Systems Corp. (President: Akihiro Taguchi) will launch new slim bronchoscopes in Japan, Europe, and Australia in April. Launch in other markets will follow.

A bronchoscope is an endoscope, inserted into the mouth or nose and used for observation, diagnosis, and treatment of the lungs and bronchi. Because the airway lumen becomes narrower as it approaches the peripheral area of the lung; a slimmer bronchoscope must be used for procedures in this location. Recently introduced slim and ultra slim bronchoscopes contain an innovative micromini CCD, located on the tip of the bronchoscope. This micromini CCD is responsible for the drastically improved image quality and improved observation capability. The new bronchoscopes are also equipped with an insertion tube rotation function, which supports easier operation and smoother insertion, with less operator fatigue. The new, wider angulation range enhances scope maneuverability. All of these new bronchoscope features are expected to allow for an easier approach to the upper lobe bronchi and previously difficult-to-reach areas in the lung periphery.

1. Revolutionary mini CCD provides drastically enhanced image quality
2. Equipped with insertion tube rotation function for improved maneuverability
3. 210° tip angulation for easier access to difficult-to-reach areas in the lung periphery

More peripheral nodules are now being detected, through the use of high-resolution CT. If malignancy of a nodule is suspected, tissue sampling is performed through bronchoscopy or CT-guided transthoracic needle aspiration. A final diagnosis is made by performing a pathological examination of the tissue sample. Currently, in order to perform a bronchoscopy procedure in the peripheral lung, a pulmonologist generally uses 3 mm or 4 mm outer diameter bronchoscope in order to approach the lung periphery. However, a slimmer bronchoscope with higher image quality has been sought out by pulmonologists, for quite some time. Olympus has responded to this request, as we are now releasing 4 new slimmer, higher image quality bronchoscope models.

Located on the tip of the new bronchoscopes, the innovative micromini CCD is responsible for the drastically improved image quality. The distal end outer diameter of the BF-P190 and the BF-P290 models is 4.2 mm. The distal end outer diameter of the BF-XP190 and the BF-XP290 models is 3.1 mm. All of these slimmer bronchoscopes allow for an easier approach to the lung periphery and are expected to improve observation, as well as diagnostic yield. Additionally, the BF-XP190 and the BF-XP290 bronchoscopes are slim enough to be used in pediatric patients.

The insertion tube can be rotated left or right, up to 120 degrees, by simply turning a ring on the control section of the scope. This supports easier operation and smoother insertion with less operator fatigue. The insertion tube rotation function allows the operator easier access the periphery of the lungs, while maintaining a natural posture.

The combination of the insertion tube rotation function and the 210° wider angulation range enhances scope maneuverability; allowing an easier approach to the upper lobe bronchi and previously difficult-to-reach areas in the lung periphery.

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