Olympus Corporation of the Americas Pennsylvania

Olympus supports the decision regarding the per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) procedure which offers patients another treatment option CENTER VALLEY, Pa., July 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Olympus, a global medical technology company committed to making people's lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling, today announced its support for a decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to significantly increase the payment rate for the per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) procedure, a change that is expected to improve patient access to the minimally invasive procedure. Effective Jan. 1, CMS increased the hospital outpatient payment rate for POEM procedures, CPT code 43497, by 67% from approximately $3,261 to $5,435. The higher payment rate is reflective of the complexity and resources of this time-intensive procedure. "Following a rigorous evidence-based review by CMS, we are very pleased to see this positive payment update for the POEM procedure," said Paul Skodny, PharmD, Executive Director for Health Economics and Market Access at Olympus Corporation of the Americas. "As we continue to advocate for improved access to minimally invasive procedures like POEM, this type of positive decision is an important development and one that aligns with our core values that include patient focus." POEM is a minimally invasive procedure performed endoluminally as an alternative to open or laparoscopic surgery and is used to treat swallowing disorders such as achalasia. Achalasia is an esophageal disorder in which the lower esophageal sphincter does not relax properly, preventing food and liquid from moving into the stomach. POEM is an alternative to the laparoscopic surgical option of Heller's myotomy for the treatment of achalasia. A common nonsurgical treatment option is pneumatic dilation in which a ballon is inserted into the esophageal sphincter and inflated to enlarge the opening. The procedure may be repeated if the esophageal sphincter does not stay open, and about a third of people who undergo this procedure need treatment again within five years.1 Studies looking at the effectiveness of POEM found that the procedure is safe and effective with 90% clinical success at more than five years and that POEM demonstrated significantly greater clinical success at 12, 24 and 36 months compared to pneumatic dilation.2, 3 "We applaud CMS for the decision to bring the payment rate for POEM into better alignment with the complexity of the procedure. We hope this results in greater patient access to a procedure that offers the potential for improved patient outcomes," said Craig Munroe, MD, Global Lead Medical Affairs GI-ET. "Olympus is a pioneer of endoluminal procedures and has worked with GI societies and stakeholders to advance minimally invasive procedures such as POEM. As part of our commitment to patient focus, we will continue working to raise awareness around options such as this." Visit the Olympus product page to learn more about the complete gastroenterology portfolio. About Olympus At Olympus, we are committed to Our Purpose of making people's lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling. As a global medical technology company, we partner with healthcare professionals to provide solutions and services for early detection, diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment, aiming to improve patient outcomes by elevating the standard of care in targeted disease states. For more than 100 years, Olympus has pursued a goal of contributing to society by producing products designed with the purpose of delivering optimal outcomes for its customers around the world. Olympus Corporation of the Americas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Olympus Corporation, is headquartered in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, USA, and employs more than 4,500 employees throughout locations in North and South America. For more information, visit olympusamerica.com. SOURCE Olympus Corporation of the Americas

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., May 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Olympus, a global medical technology company committed to making people's lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling, announced today that it will highlight its EVIS X1™ endoscopy system and colorectal cancer screening solutions during the Digestive Disease Week annual meeting May 19-21 in Washington, D.C. Continue Reading Olympus Corporation announced that it will highlight its EVIS X1™ endoscopy system and colorectal cancer screening solutions during the Digestive Disease Week annual meeting in Washington, D.C. The American Cancer Society reports that colorectal cancer deaths have been dropping in older adults for decades likely, in part, due to screenings such as colonoscopy that find polyps before they can develop into cancer or finding cancer earlier when it's more treatable.1 The EVIS X1 endoscopy system features imaging technologies designed to help physicians diagnose, treat and observe diseases and disorders of the upper and lower GI tract, including colorectal cancer. More than 20 years ago, colorectal cancer (CRC) was known to be the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in men and women under the age of 50, according to the American Cancer Society. Now, CRC is the leading cause of cancer death for men under the age of 50 and the second leading cause for women under 50. Since 2015, incidence rates of CRC in adults younger than 55 have increased by 1% to 2% annually.2 The EVIS X1 endoscopy system imaging technologies include Texture and Color Enhancement Imaging (TXI™) technology, which can improve the visibility of potential lesions and may help physicians reduce miss rates for early mucosal changes that can lead to cancer.3 A study evaluating the use of TXI technology on polyp detection during screening colonoscopies found that TXI technology significantly increased physicians' adenoma detection rate (ADR) and increased the number of adenomas measuring 5mm or larger detected, as compared to those found during a procedure using high-definition white-light endoscopy. ADR was also higher with TXI technology (as compared to white light) in patients who were being screened as a result of a positive non-invasive test or due to a history of polyps or bowel cancer.4 TXI technology is not intended to replace histopathological sampling as a means of diagnosis. Other assistive technologies that may increase ADR and help advance colorectal cancer detection include mechanical devices such as the Olympus® Endocuff Vision™ device, which help increase ADR during a colonoscopy by manipulating colonic folds and maximizing the viewable mucosa.5 A rare but potential complication when using Endocuff Vision™ device is the detachment of the device during the procedure. The physician should be prepared to retrieve the device if this were to occur. The physician should ensure Endocuff Vision™ device is used only with compatible colonoscopes, that the colonoscope distal tip is in good condition, and that the device is fully seated on the distal tip prior to the application of lubricant to minimize the chance of detachment. Standard risks of colonoscopy including injury, bleeding and perforation still apply when using the Endocuff Vision™ device. During DDW, Olympus will demonstrate the capabilities of the EVIS X1 system and Endocuff Vision device, as well as offer hands-on demonstrations of ERCP and ESD procedures, live demonstrations of EUS-guided liver biopsy and presentations about the EndoClot® Polysaccharide Hemostatic System (PHS) and Submucosal Injection Solution (SIS) and automation in endoscope reprocessing. For more information, visit the Olympus booth, #3329, during DDW or visit the EVIS X1 endoscopy system product page or the gastroenterology page for the entire Olympus® GI portfolio. About Olympus At Olympus, we are committed to our purpose of making people's lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling. As a global medical technology company, we partner with healthcare professionals to provide solutions and services that will help them with early detection, diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment, aiming to improve patient outcomes by elevating the standard of care in targeted disease states. For more than 100 years, Olympus has pursued a goal of contributing to society by producing products designed with the purpose of delivering optimal outcomes for its customers around the world. Olympus Corporation of the Americas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Olympus Corporation, is headquartered in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, USA, and employs more than 4,500 employees throughout locations in North and South America. For more information, visit olympusamerica.com. 1 American Cancer Society, "Key Statistics for Colorectal Cancer." Rev. Jan. 17, 2024 2 "Cancer statistics, 2024," CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians." Pub. Jan. 17, 2024 3 Data on file with Olympus (DC00489968) 4 Young, E; et al, "Texture and Color Enhancement Imaging Improves Colonic Adenoma Detection: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial." Gastroenterology AGA Journal, pub. October 2023 5 Data on file with Olympus as of 12/2016 SOURCE Olympus Corporation of the Americas

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., May 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Olympus, a global medical technology company committed to making people's lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling, announced today that it will highlight its algorithm-powered emphysema screening program along with two exciting bronchoscopes compatible with the EVIS X1™ endoscopy system as part of the Olympus Hybrid Bronchoscopy Solution during the annual American Thoracic Society meeting May 17-22 in San Diego. Continue Reading During the annual American Thoracic Society meeting in San Diego, Olympus will highlight an AI-powered emphysema screening program and two recently launched bronchoscopes compatible with the EVIS X1™ endoscopy system. SeleCT™ Screening, an algorithm-driven screening process, reviews existing chest CT scans to help identify patients who would benefit from bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR). BLVR with endobronchial valves such as the Spiration™ Valve may improve lung function by redirecting air away from hyperinflated portions of the lung to healthier portions.1 Study results show that patients treated with the Spiration Valve System experienced a significant improvement in lung function, respiratory symptoms and quality-of-life scores at 24 months. Now with the addition of SeleCT Screening, an algorithm can help healthcare providers find more appropriate patients, potentially bringing BLVR with the Spiration Valve to even more patients suffering with emphysema. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which includes emphysema, is a commonly undiagnosed lung disease with studies showing that as many as 80% of adults with COPD worldwide are undiagnosed. Early detection of COPD is important because properly managing the disease has shown to reduce the risk of future exacerbations and hospitalizations and to alleviate symptoms.2 Potential adverse events which may be associated with the use of the Spiration Valve System may include, but are not limited to, pneumothorax, worsening of COPD symptoms, pneumonia, and dyspnea. A full list of prescriptive information and additional information on indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions and potential complications is available here. Compatible with the EVIS X1™ endoscopy system, the BF-H1100 diagnostic bronchoscope and the BF-1TH1100 therapeutic bronchoscope each feature a compact outer diameter and large working channel, as well as high-definition imaging. Education will be a primary focus at this year's annual ATS meeting with Olympus hosting a series of workshops and peer-to-peer hands-on experiences on various topics, including: EVIS X1 endoscopy system with Prof. Felix Herth, MD – Dr. Herth discusses how the imaging modalities available on the EVIS X1 endoscopy system can assist physicians in detecting, characterizing and sampling pulmonary disorders. The Role of Single-Use Bronchoscopes in the Bronch Lab – Dr. Sonali Sethi will discuss her perception of single-use bronchoscopes and their role in the bronch lab in the future.3 Postoperative Prolonged Air Leaks with the Spiration ™ Valve System – Dr. Roy Cho reviews a unique postoperative prolonged air leak case utilizing the Spiration Valve System.3 Spiration Valve is authorized by federal law as a Humanitarian Use Device for use in the control of prolonged air leaks of the lung or significant air leaks that are likely to become prolonged air leaks, following lobectomy, segmentectomy, or Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS). The effectiveness of this device for this use has not been demonstrated. Potential complications which may be associated with bronchoscopy and/or the Spiration Valve System may include, but are not limited to, pneumothorax, atelectasis, pneumonia, shortness of breath, and in rare cases, death. A full list of prescriptive information and additional information on indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions and potential complications is available here. For more information about the pulmonology portfolio, visit the Olympus booth, #2543, during ATS or visit the pulmonology product page for more detail. About Olympus At Olympus, we are committed to our purpose of making people's lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling. As a global medical technology company, we partner with healthcare professionals to provide solutions and services for early detection, diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment, aiming to improve patient outcomes by elevating the standard of care in targeted disease states. For more than 100 years, Olympus has pursued a goal of contributing to society by producing products designed with the purpose of delivering optimal outcomes for its customers around the world. Olympus Corporation of the Americas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Olympus Corporation, is headquartered in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, USA, and employs more than 4,500 employees throughout locations in North and South America. For more information, visit olympusamerica.com. 1 Criner GJ, Delage A, Voelker K, et al. Improving Lung Function in Severe Heterogenous Emphysema with the Spiration Valve System (EMPROVE). A Multicenter, Open-Label Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2019;200(11):1354-1362. doi:10.1164/rccm.201902-0383OC 2 Lin CH, Cheng SL, Chen CZ, Chen CH, Lin SH, Wang HC. Current Progress of COPD Early Detection: Key Points and Novel Strategies. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2023;18:1511-1524. Published 2023 Jul 19. doi:10.2147/COPD.S413969 3 Drs. Sethi and Cho are paid consultants for Olympus Corp. of the Americas SOURCE Olympus Corporation of the Americas