Over the last few years, there has been a significant push to move both colonoscopies and upper GI procedures out of hospitals and into ambulatory sites of care. How do you see new technologies impacting the ambulatory setting as these providers strive to improve patient care?
At Olympus, we have undergone significant transformation to deliver on a more holistic approach to creating solutions that support providers in their initiatives to improve patient care. We see this as the most important focus that we, as a product provider in the industry, can have at this time. With our unique breadth of product offering that includes endoscopes, repair services, disposable endotherapy devices, and a complete infection prevention portfolio, we look to the larger disease states and how our portfolio can bring value to our customers not only in the ambulatory setting, but in all settings where GI endoscopy is performed. Our belief is that one company, focused on patient needs, can deliver on this model.
With the recent clearance of our latest endoscopy system, the EVIS X1™ Endoscopy System, Olympus is bringing new imaging technologies to the forefront and exploring how those technologies may combine with device technologies to aid providers. As an example, the EVIS X1 Endoscopy System delivers a new imaging technology, Red Dichromatic Imaging (RDI™) Technology, to the market. RDI technology is designed to enhance the visibility of deep blood vessels and bleeding sources.1 RDI technology works by employing specific green, amber, and red wavelengths of light. The latter two penetrate deep into the mucosa, enabling the visualization of deep blood vessels.2. With this potential, Olympus is exploring the impact that this can have on the hemostasis algorithm and the use of select therapeutic tools as part of a treatment solution.
Another new imaging modality delivered by the arrival of EVIS X1 Endoscopy System is Texture and Color Enhancement Imaging (TXI™) technology. TXI technology is designed to emphasize tonal changes, patterns, and image outlines. 1 As part of a colorectal cancer screening solution, TXI technology may combine well with both Narrow Band Imaging™ (NBI™) technology and the ENDOCUFF VISION™ device, which is attached to the distal end of a colonoscope, to not only provide physical visibility of the colon but also enhance the imaging of the fully exposed colon to increase Adenoma Detection Rates (ADR). 1,3
These two examples are just the beginning of how Olympus intends to deliver holistic, disease state solutions through its unique breadth of portfolio of imaging technologies and therapeutic devices.
Staffing shortages and the rising cost of labor impact all aspects of today’s workforce. As these costs increase and reimbursements decrease, how do you believe industry can help address these issues, specifically when the number of patients needing GI procedures is growing?
Success in the ambulatory setting is driven by efficiency and, as a market leading organization, Olympus feels a tremendous responsibility to continue to evolve our technologies to support the needs of our customers and their patients in every possible way. We feel very strongly that through a combination of Our People, Our Products, and Our Deep Industry Knowledge, we are uniquely positioned to help navigate the changing market.
Our People – when it comes to a relationship with a valued partner, you must look beyond the transaction and assess who and what is in place to support your needs in the future. At Olympus, we employ more than 200 non-sales field employees whose sole purpose is the support and success of our customers. These critical people range from Field Service Engineers (FSEs) to Endoscopy Support Specialists (ESSs) to Clinical Application Specialists (CASs), and Clinical EndoTherapy Specialists (CESs). Over time, this investment by Olympus has delivered continuous value that is heavily focused on different aspects of staff training and competency enhancements to support the use of your GI equipment. These individuals are a strong ally for the customer’s daily support of patient care.
Our Products – the continued evolution of market-leading products is the hallmark of any good partner. At Olympus, we have taken that challenge to heart with the introduction of products such as the OER-Elite™ Automated Endoscope Reprocessor (AER). The OER-Elite Reprocessor drives improved efficiencies that allow your staff to focus more on patient care. As an example, the OER-Elite Reprocessor removes 7 of the 11 manual cleaning steps currently required and has touch panel intelligence that guides techs through the set-up process. This helps with repeatability because the automation assumes some of the human factor's workload. The intelligent interfaces mean that technicians are guided by the machines rather than recalling steps from memory. 4
Our Deep Industry Knowledge – with decades of customer relationships at our core, Olympus has the foundational knowledge to support customers in making informed business decisions. As an example, the “right-sizing” and proper rotation of your endoscope fleet are two of the most critical factors in the longevity and overall effectiveness of your assets. While it may seem counterintuitive to cost reduction, increasing the number of endoscopes in a fleet can decrease the amount of repairs and service costs. Overused scopes require more repairs which necessitates staff to organize repair orders and frustrates physicians when scopes are out of the facility. Equipment uptime and reliability are key factors to staff satisfaction and can drive efficiencies.
As we consider industry’s role in the support of staff and post-acquisition cost containment, we must honestly assess our impact on the process. Looking beyond the initial purchase and seeing the longer-term impact, we intend to be a partner that ASCs can lean on for expertise and collaboration in the years to come.
1 Data on file with Olympus (DC00489968)
2 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/17562848221118302
The EVIS X1™ endoscopy system is not designed for cardiac applications. Other combinations of equipment may cause ventricular fibrillation or seriously affect the cardiac function of the patient. Improper use of endoscopes may result in patient injury, bleeding, and/or perforation. Complete indications, contraindications, warnings, and cautions are available in the Instructions for Use (IFU).
RDI, TXI and NBI technologies are not intended to replace histopathological sampling as a means of diagnosis.
3 Data on File with Boddingtons Plastics Ltd
ENDOCUFF VISION FB Statement
A rare but potential complication when using ENDOCUFF VISIONTM device is the detachment of the device during the procedure. Be prepared to retrieve the device if this were to occur. Ensure ENDOCUFF VISIONTM device is used only with compatible colonoscopes, that the colonoscope distal tip is in good condition, and that the device is fully seated on the distal tip prior to the application of lubricant to minimize the chance of detachment.
4 Data on file with Olympus September 1, 2020.
Improper use of the OER-Elite Endoscope Reprocessor may pose an infection control risk to patients and/or operators.