EU-ME2 PREMIER PLUS
EU-ME2 PREMIER PLUS

The Global Launch of the Endoscopic Ultrasound Center EU-ME2 – Oct 21, 2013– Tokyo, Japan (Techreleased) – Olympus Medical Systems Corp. will launch the EU-ME2 endoscopic ultrasound center for endoscopic ultrasonography in the digestive and respiratory fields worldwide from November 2013*1.

EU-ME2 PREMIER PLUS
EU-ME2 PREMIER PLUS

Endoscopic ultrasonography combines endoscopy and ultrasound in order to obtain images and information about the digestive tract and surrounding tissue and organs. It uses high-frequency ultrasound waves from the tip of an ultrasound endoscope and produces images. It thus helps observe deeper organs such as the pancreas and visualize the layers of the walls of the digestive tract such as the stomach, which are difficult with extracorporeal ultrasound (from the surface of the body). Endoscopic ultrasonography is now conducted for examining cancers of the pancreas, lung, stomach and esophagus as well as diagnosing and assessing benign disease associated with these organs.

EU-ME2 PREMIER PLUS The new endoscopic ultrasound center EU-ME2 PREMIER PLUS (hereafter “EU-ME2”) will be launched in this November. Like the previous model*2, the EU-ME2 connects to an endoscope, sends and receives ultrasound waves. The EU-ME2 realizes higher resolution images while maintaining the same compact size of the previous model. It also features a variety of new functions, for example, for reducing artifacts and measuring the relative stiffness of tissue. In addition, it also supports clear visualization of tumors and blood flow information. Last but not least, thanks to its compact size it fits on Olympus’ endoscopy system trolley,*3 and ensures the compatibility with Olympus’ endoscopy systems for efficient examinations.

*1 This product may not be available in some countries such as the USA in November 2013.
*2 Universal Endoscopic Ultrasound Center EU-ME1
*3 The trolley is a dedicated cart on which the endoscopy system is placed. Refer to Photo.

Overview of Launch

Main Product Name*4 Intended Launch Date
EVIS EUS Endoscopic Ultrasound Center EU-ME2 PREMIER PLUS November 2013
*4 Due to lineup differences for each region, only a representative product is listed.

Main Features

  1. Realizes high resolution images and supports clear visualization of tumors, blood flow information
  2. Offers a variety of new functions in a compact body
  3. Ensures compatibility with Olympus endoscopy systems and facilitates efficient examinations

Background of Launch

Ultrasound endoscopes were developed and put into practical use in the 1980s for supporting the early detection of pancreatic cancer. Since the pancreas is an organ that is deep within the body and is hidden at the back of the stomach and intestine, it is difficult to examine with regular extracorporeal ultrasonography, where ultrasound waves are aimed at the organ from the surface of the body. Endoscopic ultrasonography, which approaches the pancreas from the stomach and duodenum located adjacent to the pancreas, was put into practice since it was considered that the pancreas could be more accurately observed. Thereafter, its range of use expanded to include the assessment of the spread of biliary tract cancers, as well as staging of stomach cancer and esophageal cancer etc.

In recent years, endoscopic ultrasonography procedures have included the use of ultrasound-guided puncturing to diagnose lymph node metastasis of lung cancer and pancreatic and biliary ducts.

Along with the diffusion of procedures using ultrasound endoscopes, their role in endoscopic ultrasonography has significantly increased. As improvement in the accuracy of diagnoses and support of safer procedures are in demand, our new product is being launched in order to meet and exceed such demands and expectations.

Details of Main Features

1. Realizes high resolution images and supports clear visualization of tumors and blood flow information
The EU-ME2 realizes higher resolution images than previous models by optimizing the ultrasound transmission and reception process. It supports clear visualization of tumors, blood flow, etc. and is expected to contribute to helping the selection of appropriate and reliable treatment.

2. Offers a variety of new functions in a compact body
The EU-ME2 provides a wide variety of new functions that did not exist in previous models in a compact body. For example, the THE (Tissue Harmonic Echo) mode reduces artifacts by image signal processing and achieves a clearer image.
The ELST (Elastography) mode uses ultrasound waves to display the relative stiffness of tissue. The ELST mode, which adds stiffness information to ultrasound images, may be helpful in determining if lesions are benign or malignant.
Also, using technology designed to depict higher harmonics, the EU-ME2’s CH-EUS (Contrast Harmonic EUS) mode*5 is expected to offer enhanced sensitivity to tumors and other abnormal growths.
In addition, the Pulse Wave Doppler mode that can measure the speed and amount of blood flow and H-FLOW (High Resolution Flow) mode that can display small vessels are incorporated. By obtaining detailed blood flow information, the EU-ME2 supports safe puncturing while avoiding blood vessels.

3. Ensures compatibility with Olympus endoscopy systems and facilitates efficient examinations
Because of its compact body the EU-EM2 can be placed on the Olympus’ endoscopy system trolley and ensures compatibility with the system. It enables efficient examination switching from both endoscopy and ultrasound images on a single monitor with a single keyboard.

*5 Regulations and usage of ultrasound contrast agents vary according to the country where they are used and the type of agents. Also, please note that the CH-EUS mode is not available in the USA.