Olympus Corp.10.22.18
Olympus announced the launch of the ENDOEYE FLEX 3D and the FlexDex Needle Driver (3D/FlexDex) laparoscopic surgical solution. Through an exclusive U.S. distribution agreement, Olympus is leveraging its innovative ENDOEYE FLEX 3D laparoscopic imaging technology with the wristed needle-driver of FlexDex to enhance the capabilities of minimal access surgery while providing a cost-effective robotic solution. 3D/FlexDex can be used during many types of procedures, including but not limited to general surgery and gynecological specialties.
Olympus' 3D imaging combined with FlexDex technology simplifies suturing in difficult-to-reach areas by precisely translating the surgeon's hand, wrist and arm movements from outside the patient into corresponding movements of an end-effector inside the patient's body. With a chip-on-tip and dual lens design, the ENDOEYE FLEX 3D video laparoscope restores natural 3D vision and depth perception during laparoscopic procedures and mimics what the human eye would see in open surgery. The 3D/FlexDex platform offers an alternative to high-cost robotics in minimal access surgery by providing the visualization and wristed instrumentation for suturing found in robotic technology, but at a fraction of the cost. Importantly, this technology can be used in any OR, at any time, on a laparoscopic platform already familiar to surgeons. With Olympus' extensive market reach and advanced 3D technology, 3D/FlexDex is poised to redefine robotics in minimal access surgery.
Features of 3D/FlexDex include:
"I am very excited about the 3D/FlexDex platform. My initial findings based on performing over 200 surgeries using the platform indicate significant improvement in suturing technique, with an elimination of all tacking devices and all surgeries completed without complications," said Dr. Kent Bowden, DO, FACOS. "Surgeons such as myself serving a rural population of patients in small community hospitals need the advanced capabilities and cost-effective solutions provided by the 3D/FlexDex platform."
"Olympus and FlexDex are redefining minimal access surgery in the OR," said Todd Usen, President, Olympus Medical Systems Group. "We expect this solution to offer surgeons the precision and control they desire without the burden of a complex and costly computer-aided robotic system. This will not only improve patient outcomes and satisfaction but also help healthcare institutions provide true value-based care."
"Through our Olympus partnership, FlexDex is going to disrupt the paradigm where surgeons and hospitals had to choose between high cost/high function and low cost/low function," said Dr. James Geiger, CEO at FlexDex.
Olympus' 3D imaging combined with FlexDex technology simplifies suturing in difficult-to-reach areas by precisely translating the surgeon's hand, wrist and arm movements from outside the patient into corresponding movements of an end-effector inside the patient's body. With a chip-on-tip and dual lens design, the ENDOEYE FLEX 3D video laparoscope restores natural 3D vision and depth perception during laparoscopic procedures and mimics what the human eye would see in open surgery. The 3D/FlexDex platform offers an alternative to high-cost robotics in minimal access surgery by providing the visualization and wristed instrumentation for suturing found in robotic technology, but at a fraction of the cost. Importantly, this technology can be used in any OR, at any time, on a laparoscopic platform already familiar to surgeons. With Olympus' extensive market reach and advanced 3D technology, 3D/FlexDex is poised to redefine robotics in minimal access surgery.
Features of 3D/FlexDex include:
- Three-axis gimbal that attaches to a surgeon's wrist and, once attached, leverages a series of mechanical components to translate the movement of the surgeon's hand to the tip of the instrument
- Purely mechanical, low cost and disposable instrument that provides robotic functionality with laparoscopic tactile feedback
- Observation and therapy enabled in the entire peritoneal cavity by maintaining optimum and correct visual orientation with up to 100º of articulation in all directions, and utilizing high-density CCD image sensors to provide dynamic, high-definition 3D images
"I am very excited about the 3D/FlexDex platform. My initial findings based on performing over 200 surgeries using the platform indicate significant improvement in suturing technique, with an elimination of all tacking devices and all surgeries completed without complications," said Dr. Kent Bowden, DO, FACOS. "Surgeons such as myself serving a rural population of patients in small community hospitals need the advanced capabilities and cost-effective solutions provided by the 3D/FlexDex platform."
"Olympus and FlexDex are redefining minimal access surgery in the OR," said Todd Usen, President, Olympus Medical Systems Group. "We expect this solution to offer surgeons the precision and control they desire without the burden of a complex and costly computer-aided robotic system. This will not only improve patient outcomes and satisfaction but also help healthcare institutions provide true value-based care."
"Through our Olympus partnership, FlexDex is going to disrupt the paradigm where surgeons and hospitals had to choose between high cost/high function and low cost/low function," said Dr. James Geiger, CEO at FlexDex.
