Olympus Corporation has launched a new 4K camera head, CH-S700-08-LB, for endoscopic urology and gynecology procedures in Europe. It is also set to be launched in Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore as soon as it complies with the regulations of each country, sequentially from September 2024.
 
The camera head is compatible with the VISERA ELITE III video system center for surgical endoscopy. The technical development of this product was led by Sony Olympus Medical Solutions Corporation, a joint venture between Olympus and Sony Corporation.
 
This product provides four times the number of pixels than a conventional HD camera head, enabling observation with 4K white light images and 4K NBI (Narrow Band Imaging) images. 
 
A full 4K image sensor generates 1 billion richer colors (ITU-R BT.2020 standard for a wide color gamut) and four times finer detail than previous generations in HD, enabling the surgeon to see the crucial details of the superficial layer of the mucosa that are important in urologic endoscopic surgery. 
 
NBI is a unique optical-digital technology that enhances the visualization of mucosal structure and capillary patterns in the bladder using wavelengths that are highly absorbed by hemoglobin. It provides higher contrast and reveals significantly more tissue detail than WLI. This supports more precise lesion detection and resection.
 
It is also equipped with the BL (Blue Light) observation function, offering versatile imaging capabilities in a single device to address diverse clinical needs. 
 
This product enables white light observation, NBI observation, and BL observation with a single camera head, eliminating the need for system switches. The BL offers brighter backgrounds with improved color tone and clear contrast in HD for better visibility, contributing to more effective resections. It meets different observation needs depending on the case and supports more efficient operation of the equipment at medical institutions.
 
One-touch autofocus supports precise endoscopic visualization and can be activated on the camera head body. Fine texture details are visible at the touch of a button, minimizing distractions and enabling a continuous focus on the procedure.
 
This will support high-quality diagnosis and treatment of urological diseases, including bladder cancer, by providing unprecedented endoscopic image clarity. With this new camera head, Olympus aims to enhance the patient care pathway of early diagnosis, minimally invasive treatment, and follow-up for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, to improve the standard of care and patient outcomes.