PENTAX Medical Announces Debut of Next Generation High Definition (HD+) Endoscopic Platform

AMSTERDAM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PENTAX Medical, a healthcare industry leader in endoscopic imaging, will release the next generation High Definition (HD+) EPK-i7000 video processor and i10 series endoscopes during the United European Gastroenterology week from October 20-24, 2012 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. This innovative endoscopic imaging platform continues to expand support for diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in endoscopy.

“PENTAX Medical is committed to improve clinical outcomes through product innovation”

"PENTAX Medical is committed to improve clinical outcomes through product innovation" explains Chris Japp, President of PENTAX Medical. "Our goal as a market catalyst and true partner is to provide physicians with a complete solution that is both easy to use and economically efficient. The new EPK-i7000 video processor and i10 series endoscopes meet the need for both high definition image processing and expanded therapeutic capabilities."

This philosophy is evident in the new EPK-i7000 video processor. PENTAX Medical has taken advantage of the latest imaging technologies to provide a vivid endoscopic image with excellent clarity and detail, allowing for improved observation capability, which may lead to enhanced diagnostic support and therapeutic potential for the physician. The EPK-i7000 video processor also incorporates Pentax i-scan imaging technology, an advanced multi-modal tool designed to highlight morphological and vascular patterns of the mucosal surface. It also provides the physician with the advantage of Twin mode technology, which enables simultaneous viewing of i-scan and HD+ white light endoscopy images. In addition, the EPK-i7000 video processor is the first endoscopic processor to offer built-in HD+ video recording, allowing healthcare providers to collect and share HD+ videos that have the same quality as experienced in the endoscopy room.

The i10 series endoscopes also feature technological advancements. A new lightweight ergonomic control body improves the physician interface. The second generation HD+ imaging sensors are designed with Close Focus capabilities, further enhancing the level of detail and clarity for the physician. Also incorporated are larger operating channels, expanding the therapeutic options. The i10 series endoscopes include the first diagnostic HD+ gastroscope with a 3.2mm channel and the first pediatric HD+ colonoscope with a 3.8mm channel.

The impact of these advancements has been recognized by several leading physicians, Prof HelmutNeumann from Erlangen University Hospital, Germany states "Advanced endoscopic imaging has revolutionized our current understanding on how to diagnose and treat patients. Recent advances in the field of endoscopic imaging now allow for a more detailed examination of the colon, thereby improving our adenoma detection rates and enabling an in vivo diagnosis of the polyp's histology. This leads to immediate "histological" results, which may allow taking clinical decisions without any significant delay. The new HD+ technology in combination with virtual chromoendoscopy therefore considerably enhances our diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic options"

The EPK-i7000 video processor and i10 series scopes are currently offered in Japan, and multiple European markets.

About PENTAX Medical

PENTAX Medical is a division of Hoya Group. Its mission is to improve the standard of patient care and quality of healthcare delivery by providing the best endoscopic products and services with a focus on QUALITY, CLINICALLY RELEVANT INNOVATION, and SIMPLICITY. Through leading edge R&D and manufacturing, PENTAX Medical provides endoscopic imaging devices and solutions to the global medical community. Headquartered in Japan, PENTAX Medical has a worldwide focus and presence with R&D, regional sales, service, and in-country facilities around the globe. PENTAX Medical employees represent the diverse countries where we do business, allowing us to provide innovative solutions tailored to meet local needs. http://www.pentaxmedical.com.