Olympus 2012 Annual Report Download - page 36

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Olympus has succeeded in developing the world’s only surgical device that simultaneously
delivers high-frequency bipolar energy, for effective vessel sealing, and ultrasonic energy, for
precise tissue cutting and dissection, with minimal thermal spread. The jaw’s precision design
also provides excellent grasping capabilities.
The Challenge of Creating the World’s First Integrated Energy Device
In the course of developing medical solutions, we research current products and how to
improve them by talking directly with doctors engaged in implementing new surgical
procedures. On one occasion, we observed tissue being removed by ultrasonic vibration
following the cauterization of the diseased portion using high-frequency bipolar current. It
occurred to us that by integrating these two devices, it would become possible to rapidly
cut tissue while effectively sealing blood vessels. This led us to address the requirements
for this kind of system, such as improving the vessel-sealing ability of the ultrasonic
energy device and simplifying the operation of the bipolar energy device.
At the time, Olympus possessed both bipolar current and ultrasonic vibration
technology, but not in a single device. This innovation would represent the world’s first
device that integrated the two technologies; therefore, it proved to be a process of
experimentation by trial and error. We repeatedly developed prototypes and sought advice
from some of the world’s best surgeons in Japan, the United States, and Europe. We are
proud that our endeavor resulted in THUNDERBEAT. This
integrated energy device is highly functional and
minimally invasive, achieving the Olympus Medical
Business Group’s mission: “Driven by our customers’
quest for clinical excellence, efficiency, and peace of
mind, we apply knowledge, vision, and solutions.”
Mitsumasa Okada
General Manager, Therapeutic Products Department
Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
A Word from the Developers
Surgical Energy Device
THUNDERBEAT
Overview of the THUNDERBEAT System
Note: Launch of THUNDERBEAT surgical energy device in Japan is pending regulatory
approval. THUNDERBEAT has been launched in the Europe and the Americas.
Output button 1
Ultrasonic vibration
and high-frequency
bipolar current are
simultaneously
generated.
The jaws grasp the tissue while
ultrasonic and high-frequency
bipolar energies are applied.
Output button 2
High-frequency bipolar
energy is exclusively
delivered.
Ultrasonic vibration and high-frequency
bipolar current are generated.
Olympus Medical Technology
ut
p
ut button
1
l
tr
aso
n
ic
v
ib
r
a
t
io
n
n
d high-
f
requency
po
ar current are
mu
l
taneous
ly
Output button
2
34 OLYMPUS 󱚈 Annual Report 2012