OREANDA-NEWS. March 21, 2012. Olympus Medical Systems Corp. is pleased to announce the launch of the Axeon low-cost endoscopic videoscope system for emerging markets. The system combines the basic functions of a conventional endoscopic system with an integrated scope-distal end LED light source to deliver smaller size, lighter weight, and power-saving features. The Axeon will become available in each country once regulatory compliance is achieved, starting from April 1, 2012.

The Axeon consists of a video system center ("body"), two gastrointestinal endoscopes (video gastroscope and video colonoscope), and a camera head. The endoscopes and camera head connect to the body. The use of new connectors, along with an LED light source that is integrated into the scope distal end, allow the Axeon to be more compact than conventional low-cost videoscope systems. Also, the design of the camera head allows the use of Olympus fiberscopes and rigid scopes. Olympus aims to promote endoscopic medicine in emerging nations and provide the means for conducting endoscopic examinations efficiently at medical institutions in these countries.

Product Background

Gastrointestinal endoscopes are patient-friendly testing and therapeutic devices for the gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach and colon. They are in wide use throughout the world. Economic growth, in emerging markets in particular, is driving growing medical demand for endoscopic examination because it provides a means for the early detection and treatment of lesions, including cancer.
 On the other hand, emerging nations suffer from a shortage of endoscopic physicians, and they have limited medical facilities suitable for carrying out endoscopic examinations.
 While video endoscopy is widely used in developed countries, endoscopic examinations in emerging nations are often conducted using fiberscopes which only allow the operator to make macroscopic examinations. Although Olympus already markets low-cost video systems, further improvements are needed to satisfy demand for endoscopic examination in emerging nations.
 It was to meet these needs that Olympus developed the Axeon endoscopic videoscope system. The aim is to encourage greater use of endoscopic medicine in emerging nations by providing a new simple and easy-to-use system able to meet their diverse demands.
Main Features
VIDEO SYSTEM CENTER OLYMPUS CV-V1

1. Power-saving features and 50% lighter than conventional video endoscopy units
 The Axeon has a small LED light source integrated into the distal end of the scope. Because of the new design, its weight has been cut by 50% compared to previous Olympus models that do have a light source in the body. Elimination of the light source and its associated cooling fan also cuts power consumption and makes maintenance easier.

2. Easy to operate using simple front panel
 The quality and core functions of the Axeon are based on technology that Olympus has acquired through its extensive experience in the industry. Its functions are focused on the needs of basic examinations, allowing for a simple front panel design and easy operation. This makes the system easier to use for physicians new to endoscopic video systems.
GASTROINTESTINAL VIDEOSCOPE OLYMPUS GIF-LV1
 COLONOVIDEOSCOPE OLYMPUS CF-LV1L/I

1. LED light source unit integrated into scope
 By using a small, long-life LED in place of a conventional lamp, Olympus succeeded in integrating the light source unit into the distal end of the scope. Despite the addition of the LED light source, the size, design, and operability of the scope remain similar to those of conventional scopes. Another advantage of using an LED light source is that it is no longer necessary to replace the lamp in the body.

2. New waterproof connector features one-touch connection and disconnection
 Pre-examination setup and post-examination cleaning and reprocessing are made easier by the adoption of completely waterproof connectors that can be connected with a single touch. This helps reduce human error and simplifies pre-examination system setup. It also reduces the risk of accidental immersion during post-examination cleaning and reprocessing.
CAMERA HEAD MAJ-1910

Compatible with both Olympus fiberscopes and rigid scopes
 The camera head design is such that the video system center can also be connected to Olympus fiberscopes and rigid scopes.*  This means medical institutions can utilize the scopes they already have.
*  Separate light sources and adapters are necessary when using fiberscopes or rigid scopes.
*  Availability may vary depending on countries.