Olympus, a developer for medical solutions and surgical procedures, announced the launch of its FDA-cleared Plasma-OvalButton for urologic procedures including minimally-invasive surgery to reduce enlarged prostate and the treatment of bladder cancer. The Plasma-OvalButton uses Olympus’ plasma technology in an electrode shape designed to maximize O.R. efficiency and enhance clinical outcomes.

With a 25% increase in width and 31% increase in vaporization area from Olympus’ previous vaporization device, the Plasma-OvalButton is designed to increase tissue removal rates for enhanced procedural efficiency. Lab testing has demonstrated a 21% increase in tissue vaporization from Olympus’ existing vaporization electrode. The Plasma-OvalButton is the latest innovation launched to complement Olympus’ full line of PlasmaLoops and electrodes that provide a comprehensive Transurethral Resection (TUR) solution utilizing Olympus’ plasma technology.

Plasma vaporization therapy with the Plasma-OvalButton is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure performed in saline, which has demonstrated reduced risk of TUR syndrome when compared to more traditional monopolar procedures. In addition, it is recommended by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence. Other benefits of plasma vaporization therapy over monopolar resection include less bleeding, improved visualization, more precise cutting and coagulation and shorter catheterization and procedure times.

Enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), affects approximately 60% of men age 60 or over. The percentage increases to 80-90% in men over age 80. Approximately 150,000 men have transurethral resection of the prostate procedures each year in the U.S. During the procedure, the surgeon uses an endoscopic image to guide the electrode through the urethra to the prostate to safely and efficiently remove prostatic tissue to allow the patient to return to normal urinary function. Olympus’ plasma portfolio of electrodes can also be used during TURBT–a surgical procedure to remove cancerous tissue from the bladder. Bladder cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the United States, but 96% of patients diagnosed early will survive five years later.

Designed with performance and patient safety in mind, Olympus’ full suite of therapeutic devices help physicians deliver value to patients and help healthcare facilities meet the following healthcare reform initiatives:

• Increased quality of care: Olympus’ plasma products reduce the risk of TUR syndrome, decrease risk of hyponatremia and show reduction in procedural complications, such as bleeding and increased catheterization time.
• Decreased costs: Olympus’ plasma portfolio can reduce costly procedure time, through the benefits of concurrent vaporization and hemostasis as well as increased vaporization area from the current vaporization electrode.
• Enhanced patient satisfaction: Reduced catheterization time, reduced complications and faster recovery time are benefits that can lead to increased patient satisfaction.

The Plasma-OvalButton will be showcased at the American Urological Association’s annual meeting to be held on May 6 to 10, 2016 in San Diego.

Olympus
www.medical.olympusamerica.com