Olympus (TYO:7733) announced today that it launched its OER-Elite next-generation automated endoscope reprocessor (AER) on the market.
Center Valley, Pa.-based Olympus’ OER-Elite is designed to simultaneously clean and disinfect up to two endoscopes in 28 minutes with Acecide-C, a peracetic, acid-based disinfectant. It also includes a cleaning cycle with a combination of EndoQuick alkaline detergent and ultrasonic cleaning, according to a news release.
The system is compatible with Olympus endoscopes, including its new TJF-Q190V duodenoscope, through a distal connector for endoscopes with forceps elevators.
Olympus said in the release that the features of the OER-Elite include simplified connection to endoscopes with color-coding, automatic monitoring and guided, step-by-step instructions. It also has a bigger basin for loading scopes and allows for better management of scope leaks.
Additionally, navigation and detailed troubleshooting instructions are available on an LCD touchscreen and checking disinfectant levels is simpler with access to the minimum recommended concentration port atop the machine.
“With the OER-Elite, healthcare providers have an efficient and effective means to consistently clean and disinfect their endoscopes and help ensure those scopes are available for physicians when needed,” Olympus America group VP for endoscopy Kevin Mancini said in the release. “Olympus continues to innovate its products to not only meet the needs of our current healthcare environment but also increase automation, improve quality of care, and enhance patient satisfaction.”
Last year, the FDA pushed duodenoscope makers — including top manufacturers such as Olympus, along with Fujifilm Holdings (TSE:4901) and Pentax — to move away from designs that permanently attach endcaps, which can’t be removed for cleaning and sterilization.
The administration said earlier in 2019 that the problem was worse than previously thought when reports of deadly superbug infections started cropping up in 2015, with a contamination rate for high-concern bugs like E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa that’s around 5.4%.
In late 2018, Olympus and a former senior executive in Japan pleaded guilty in federal court in Newark, N.J., to failing to file required adverse event reports involving infections connected to duodenoscopes. A previous LA Times and U.S. Senate committee investigation found that Olympus for years did not disclose problems to the FDA and the U.S. public, even as it issued warnings in Europe.
