Olympus announced the Olympus Contained Tissue Extraction System and StoneMasterV have each received a 2017 Innovative Technology designation from Vizient, Inc.

The Olympus Contained Tissue Extraction System combines the PneumoLiner, a first-of-its-kind tissue containment device, and the next-generation laparoscopic PK Morcellator, to provide certain appropriate patients with a laparoscopic surgery option to avoid open hysterectomy and myomectomy. The Olympus Contained Tissue Extraction System is the first complete solution designed for contained tissue extraction to enter the U.S. market, enabling surgeons to isolate and perform uterine tissue morcellation and extraction using the PneumoLiner containment device. Uterine fibroids are the reason for 30-40 percent of the nearly 600,000 hysterectomies performed in the U.S. each year.

The Olympus Contained Tissue Extraction System for removal of uterine tissue in select patients may lead to decreased healthcare costs. A strategy of minimally invasive laparoscopic hysterectomy is a cost effective surgical method versus an open hysterectomy, $20,853.15 vs. $30,359.92, respectively.[i]

StoneMasterV is a unique combination of a Sphincterotome and Papillary dilation balloon that merges sphincterotomy and papillary dilation methods to eliminate the need for device exchange, allowing for removal of difficult bile duct stones. StoneMasterV has the only large-diameter balloon that has been specifically designed for use within the biliary duct and the multi-size balloon is continuously adjustable to three controlled dilation diameters (12, 15 and 18mm). Additionally, its pre-curved distal end, which orients the cutting wire at a stable 11 o’clock position, may help reduce efforts in cannulation of the papilla and ensure optimized incision.

Avoiding the need to exchange from a sphincterotomy device to a balloon device, combined with the advantages of an Endoscopic Sphincterotome & Endoscopic Papillary Large Balloon Dilator, allows StoneMasterV to reduce procedural time, which may lead to a decrease in anesthesia needs. Complete stone removal prevents the need to place a temporary plastic stent that would require an additional endoscopic procedure for stent and/or stone fragment removal.

“Olympus is honored to receive this recognition from Vizient for the fifth consecutive year,” said Todd Usen, President, Olympus Medical Systems Group at Olympus Corporation of the Americas. “We rely on the input of our partners, such as Vizient, to ensure nurses, physicians and surgeons have the products they need to successfully care for and treat their patients. These minimally invasive innovations assist us in achieving our goal of improving quality of care, reducing overall costs and enhancing patient satisfaction.”

“The Vizient Innovative Technology Exchange offers medical technology suppliers the opportunity to demonstrate their products and gain direct feedback from the approximately 1,500 clinical experts who attend the event. Following exploration of the technological capabilities of the Olympus Contained Tissue Extraction System and StoneMasterV at the Exchange, attendees recommended it receive an Innovative Technology designation. Congratulations to Olympus on receiving this status,” said Debbie Archer, director of procurement and Vizient Innovative Technology Program lead.

Olympus’ previous Innovative Technology designations include:

• 2016: ENDOCUFF VISION, VISERA 4K Ultra High Definition Surgical Video System
• 2015: PCF-H190DL/I Slim Colonoscope with ScopeGuide, QuickClip Pro Endoscopic Clip
• 2014: BF-P190 Bronchoscope, Diego ELITE Multi-debrider, 3D versus Robotic Surgery Cost Comparison Calculator
• 2013: HD 3D Laparoscopic Surgical Video System

These designations will identify the Olympus products within Vizient’s online contract catalog as Innovative Technology.