Olympus has unveiled the VISERA 4K UHD System, its state-of-the art Big Screen surgical system, at the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) 2016 Annual meeting in Boston.
Background
Just when you thought image quality was about as good as it could be, along comes another advancement from one of the giants in surgical laparoscopy systems. The VISERA 4K UHD System is designed to improve the visual elements essential for laparoscopic and arthroscopic surgery – light, color and resolution – via an optimized 4K imaging chain that works seamlessly together to improve visibility.
The VISERA 4K UHD System delivers four times the resolution of HD with better light and wider color spectrum, promising to help surgeons operate with increased precision and confidence. The only fully integrated 4K imaging chain available for healthcare use, VISERA 4K UHD allows operating room (OR) personnel to get closer to the operating field as they view cases live on a 55-inch operative display that magnifies anatomical features to deliver more visual information to the entire surgical team…it’s what Olympus refers to as an “immersive” experience. What this refers to is the effect of using a combination of a reduced viewing distance and large format primary operative display
So what does the new system deliver? Well, Olympus says the system creates high-resolution images to help physicians identify fine patterns and anatomical structures. This comes from focusing on a combination of light, colour and resolution. The system provides additional light to illuminate bleeding in surgical fields, visualize deep surgical cavities and enhance the viewing experience of a 5 mm telescope. And by reproducing more vivid shades of red and yellow, surgeons can more confidently observe fine patterns and structures in high precision. The system couples that with higher contrast levels with more detailed visualization to support greater accuracy.
Finally, by delivering higher resolution than currently available technology, a greater level of magnification can be achieved, enabling surgeons to have the most detailed view possible of the target structures.
Olympus says the VISERA 4K UHD is the first of many products from the Sony Olympus Medical Solutions joint-venture, which it claims is now transforming healthcare by enhancing minimally-invasive surgery in a range of surgical specialties including general surgery, gastroenterology, gynecology, thoracic and urology for an estimated 20 million procedures annually. Olympus’ first customers began using VISERA 4K UHD during the first week of March 2016.
Physician comments
“The color and contrast in the Olympus 4K image provides superb clarity, unlike any operative video image I have seen before,” said Dr. Ninh Nguyen, Professor and Interim Chair, Department of Surgery at the University of California Irvine Medical Center and a paid consultant to Olympus. “The image is so clear that I was able to see down to the capillary level. [Seeing the capillary level] is important for improved dissection of tissue and evaluating the perfusion of the tissue.”
Company comments
“With the introduction of the VISERA 4K UHD System, we launch a new chapter in the evolution of minimally invasive surgery – the era of Big Screen Surgery,” said Todd Usen, President, Olympus Medical Systems Group at Olympus Corporation of the Americas. “Olympus is committed to ensuring that as the tools and techniques for minimally-invasive surgery evolve, we achieve commensurate progress in creating imaging solutions that approximate the direct view of open surgery. By working closely with OR teams around the world, and our partner Sony who brings the most advanced electronics, Olympus is proud to provide our US customers with the VISERA 4K UHD system for the ultimate visibility and clarity during surgery.”
published: March 18, 2016 in: Congresses and Meetings, Endoscopy, General Surgery, Gynaecology/Obstetrics, Imaging, Launches / Withdrawals, Olympus