Olympus' ENDOEYE FLEX 3D articulating videoscope earns top honors at ATA Showcase

Olympus, a global technology leader in delivering innovative diagnostic and therapeutic solutions for medical and surgical procedures, among other core businesses, announced today that its ENDOEYE FLEX 3D articulating videoscope received top honors as the Breakthrough Technology of the Year. The recognition, bestowed at the annual American Technology Awards (ATA) Showcase, is presented by TechAmerica, the public sector and public advocacy division of CompTIA.

The ATA Showcase recognizes outstanding achievements in technology in 15 categories and also designates a best innovation overall. Award recipients were announced on May 20 in Washington, D.C. The ENDOEYE FLEX 3D articulating videoscope received awards for top innovations in the Health & Medical Technologies category, as well as the best in show designation.

"Congratulations to all the deserving recipients of the American Technology Awards, and particularly to Olympus for its life-changing innovation in laparoscopic technology," said Todd Thibodeaux, president and chief executive officer, CompTIA.

Olympus is a pioneer of minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy), a modern technique in which an operation in the abdomen is performed through small incisions as compared to larger incisions needed in traditional surgical procedures. A video laparoscope with a miniature camera built into its tip allows the surgeon to view the surgery site during an operation.

Olympus' ENDOEYE FLEX 3D is the world's only articulating HD 3D videoscope. The system's 3D visualization provides depth perception and a precise spatial view of anatomy that cannot be achieved with traditional 2D systems, producing bright, natural 2D and 3D images in a lightweight and ergonomic design. It also delivers up to 100 degrees of articulation in all directions, enabling observation and therapy in the entire peritoneal cavity.

When compared with traditional 2D surgical systems, the ENDOEYE FLEX 3D delivers value to surgeons and patients by reducing surgical errors and improving the speed, accuracy and precision of surgical tasks such as dissection, grasping and suturing, based on internal Olympus testing conducted using a simulated surgical model.* Olympus' 3D system also provides surgeons with real time tactile feedback, which is compromised when using robotic alternatives.

"We are honored to be recognized with a TechAmerica Foundation award for technology that will help physicians and surgeons improve the overall care of their patients," said Luke Calcraft, President of the Medical Systems Group at Olympus Corporation of the Americas. "ENDOEYE FLEX 3D will help hospitals and healthcare providers deliver world-class care to their patients through early, minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment of diseases and other conditions."

Olympus will be presented with the award for the ENDOEYE FLEX 3D at TechAmerica Foundation's Technology and Government Dinner on June 12. The gala event brings together industry, congressional and government leaders to celebrate the partnership between the tech sector and government. At last year's dinner, TechAmerica presented the overall award to Google Glass.