Olympus 2007 Annual Report Download - page 15

> Core products in the Medical Systems Business include
gastrointestinal endoscopes, surgical endoscopes, endo-
therapy products and endoscopic ultrasound systems.
Sales in the Medical Systems Business in fiscal 2007
amounted to ¥311,709 million (US$2,598 million), an
increase of 17.0% compared to the previous fiscal year.
Operating income climbed 14.6% year on year to ¥87,853
million (US$732 million) owing primarily to stronger sales
of gastrointestinal endoscopes.
Aiming to contribute to next-generation healthcare,
Olympus has developed endoscope systems equipped
with technology enabling observation using specific light
spectra, which is used to aid the early detection and treat-
ment of minute lesions. Olympus first launched sales of
such systems in 2006. This new technology has been well
received in the market, and Olympus will focus manage-
ment resources on developing the systems as new core
products for further growth.
Gastrointestinal
Endoscopes
> Sales of gastrointestinal endoscopes surged 22.2% year on
year to ¥213,825 million (US$1,782 million). Sales of the
EVIS LUCERA SPECTRUM new-generation videoscope sys-
tem contributed substantially to increased domestic sales
of gastrointestinal endoscopes. The system helps medical
practitioners to more clearly observe characteristic chang-
es in lesions—capillary vessels in the mucosal surface, a
slight thickening of the mucosa, and veins deep in the
mucosa—through three imaging functions using specific
light spectra. Sales were driven by highly rated slim upper
gastrointestinal videoscopes, which can be inserted either
through the nasal tract or the mouth for reduced patient dis-
comfort. In North America and Europe, Olympus recorded
strong sales of EVIS EXERA II high-resolution HDTV video-
scope systems featuring imaging using specific light spec-
tra. This led to a significant overall increase in sales of
endoscopes overseas.
Olympus also launched the “BRAVE CIRCLE” campaign
to eradicate colorectal cancer, encouraging people to
undergo colorectal cancer screenings and aiming to raise
awareness about early detection. Through these initiatives,
Olympus strengthened its social contribution activities.
Minimally Invasive
Products
> Sales of minimally invasive products increased 7.2% year
on year to ¥97,884 million (US$816 million). The steady
sales increase was attributable to strong sales of new dis-
posable electrosurgical knife in Japan, as well as to a
reinforced sales structure. Overseas sales increased year
on year owing to robust sales of new high-resolution HDTV
videoscopes for the abdominal and chest cavities, as well
as an increase in the number of pancreaticobiliary duct
endotherapy products. Leveraging its optical and image
processing technologies, Olympus launched sales of color
measurement equipment to dental clinics and dental implant
factories from November 2006. Entry into the market for
dental-related products was one example of Olympus’ bold
initiatives to expand new businesses.
Outlook for
Fiscal 2008
> Olympus is constructing a solid business structure able
to adapt rapidly to changes in the business environment
and steadily expand profits. In addition to maximizing the
strengths of its gastrointestinal endoscopes and generat-
ing further growth of surgical and endotherapy products,
Olympus will bolster its lineup of products featuring imag-
ing functions using specific light spectra. Expecting strong
sales of new products, Olympus is forecasting increases
in sales and profits in the Medical Systems Business in the
fiscal year ending March 31, 2008. Olympus will contin-
ue to reinforce its high-value-added hospital management
solutions business and its maintenance services, with the
goal of raising the overall strength of the Medical Systems
Business. Olympus is forecasting sales of ¥335.0 billion
and operating income of ¥100.0 billion in fiscal 2008.
Medical Systems Business
ical systems
ical systems
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