September 17, 2007

Contact: Megan Longenderfer

484.896.5579

OLYMPUS ENDO CAPSULE

Redefining Capsule Endoscopy for Small Bowel

Endo Capsule, which is part of Olympus’ EnteroPro total small bowel solution, redefines capsule endoscopy by combining the operational ease and efficiency of capsule endoscopes with the outstanding performance and opto-digital technology that has made Olympus a world leader in endoscopy. The EnteroPro brand is the first total solution of its kind offered by one manufacturer designed to help physicians observe and treat small bowel abnormalities.

Endo Capsule offers unique features that provide physicians with exceptional imaging capabilities of the small bowel, including high resolution, a wider field of view and enhanced depth of field, advanced color reproduction, automatic brightness control and structure enhancement. A portable, lightweight real-time viewer conveniently allows physicians to verify its full functionality before the patient ingests the capsule. Endo Capsule can easily be activated or deactivated, if needed, to conserve battery power prior to ingestion. Patients carry Endo Capsule’s data recorder in a lightweight harness that is convenient and comfortable to wear, allowing them to conduct daily activities while the capsule is recording images.

“I have been impressed with the image quality of Endo Capsule,” said David Cave, M.D., PhD, professor of medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and director of clinical gastroenterology research at the UMass Memorial Medical Center. “Since capsule endoscopy is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure, using a capsule that offers the best image quality is essential to help physicians spot abnormalities,” added Dr. Cave, the principal investigator who evaluated Endo Capsule in clinical trials.

Endo Capsule, Olympus’ new capsule endoscope designed for the observation of abnormalities in the small bowel, combines the operational ease and efficiency of capsule endoscopes with the outstanding performance and opto-digital technology that has made Olympus a world leader in endoscopy. The above photo is available in high resolution upon request. / High-resolution image of the small bowel taken by Endo Capsule, Olympus’ novel capsule endoscope.

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Endo Capsule includes the capsule endoscope, the data recorder with patient harness, the real-time viewer as well as a computer workstation with specialized software. Endo Capsule measures only 11 mm (0.43 inches) in diameter and 26 mm (1.02 inches) in length, and is equipped with sophisticated micro-machine technology. Sensitive, high-resolution Charge Coupled Device (CCD) technology provides clear and vivid imaging. The wider field of view (145-degrees) and enhanced depth of field (0-20 mm*) are designed to optimize observation. Six white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) ensure a clear field of view. Automatic brightness control, applied from conventional endoscope technology, adjusts illumination to maintain optimal imaging, even under the most demanding conditions. Endo Capsule’s structure enhancement feature allows for the visualization of details in the small bowel. A built-in capsule antenna transmits two images per second to the data recorder. Recorded images can be obtained for approximately eight hours*.

In September 2007, Olympus received FDA clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for this device and its visualization of small bowel mucosa. For more information, contact Olympus at 1-800-848-9024, and visit

About Olympus Medical Systems Group

Olympus Medical Systems Group provides endoscopy knowledge and solutions that enable healthcare professionals in GI hospital suites, ambulatory surgery centers and private practices to achieve excellent clinical and financial outcomes across the continuum of care. Olympus offers diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopes and EndoTherapy accessories; service and repair solutions; web-based endoscopy information products; GI lab integration services; cleaning and disinfection products and services; cost-effective financial solutions; and consulting services.

About Olympus

Olympus is a precision technology leader, creating innovative opto-digital solutions in healthcare, life science and consumer electronics products.

Olympus works collaboratively with its customers and its affiliates worldwide to leverage R&D investment in precision technology and manufacturing processes across diverse business lines. These include:

  • Gastrointestinal endoscopes, accessories, and minimally invasive surgical products;
  • Advanced clinical and research microscopes;
  • Lab automation systems, chemistry-immuno and blood bank analyzers and reagents;
  • Digital cameras and voice recorders.

Olympus serves healthcare and commercial laboratory markets with integrated product solutions and financial, educational and consulting services that help customers to efficiently, reliably and more easily achieve exceptional results. Olympus develops breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality for the consumer and professional photography markets, and also is the leader in gastrointestinal endoscopy and clinical and educational microscopes. For more information, visit

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* Based on the measurement method used by Olympus