Olympus Launches Thunderbeat II for Hemostatic Cutting and Vessel Sealing

Olympus has launched Thunderbeat II, a next-generation hybrid energy device for soft tissue management.

According to the company, the device was designed to deliver more hemostatic dissection and large vessel transection in both laparoscopic and open surgery. Thunderbeat II will become available in Europe beginning this month, with a subsequent launch in Japan later this year. Global rollout will follow subject to regulatory approvals.

Thunderbeat II delivers faster hemostatic dissection and more secure vessel sealing compared to the previous generation, Olympus said. It features a refined probe design that minimizes thermal impact on surrounding tissue and has three energy modes, including a new ultrasonic energy setting. This lets surgeons adapt to changing clinical conditions without interrupting the procedures to exchange instruments.

Its three output modes: hybrid energy (Seal & Cut Mode) for precise hemostatic dissection, advanced bipolar energy (Seal Mode) for vessel pre-sealing and spot hemostasis, and ultrasonic energy (Ultrasonic Mode) for fine dissection in anatomical spaces when cutting without bipolar energy is needed.

Thunderbeat II’s refined slim probe and jaw support accurate and fine dissection while minimizing impact on nearby tissue. A newly developed thermal shield at the distal tip slows heat transfer from the probe to the jaw’s exterior surface, reducing risk of unintended heat damage to nearby tissues and vessels.

An improved ergonomic handles reduces the grip force needed to operate the jaws and offers audible and haptic feedback to confirm full closure. Thunderbeat II also debuts a cordless transducer that relocates the cable to the base of the handle, giving surgeons more freedom of movement during complex procedures.

“Built to support surgeons in complex surgical procedures, THUNDERBEAT II underscores Olympus’ commitment to advancing hybrid energy technology,” said Phil Roy, Surgical deputy general manager and Surgical Devices global business unit leader at Olympus. We are excited to enhance our surgical energy portfolio with its introduction, as it is designed to address surgeons’ needs and improve clinical outcomes.”

Earlier this month, the company began a deal to distribute Gore’s Viabil biliary endoprosthesis for endoscopic placement. Olympus will begin commercialization over the coming months beginning in Europe and phasing in other countries in the future.