Olympus, a global medical technology company committed to making people's lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling, announced FDA 510(k) clearance of its EZ1500 series endoscopes featuring Extended Depth of Field (EDOF™) technology.

EDOF™ endoscopes – the GIF-EZ1500 gastroscope and the CF-EZ1500DL/I colonoscope –  represent Olympus' most advanced imaging and latest innovation as part of the EVIS X1™ endoscopy system. By allowing physicians to obtain sharp images, EDOF technology allows an entire lesion to be kept in focus and may aid in detection as endoscopists inspect the mucosal lining of the GI tract.

EDOF technology creates an image in total focus by using two prisms to split light entering the endoscope lens into two separate beams with near- and far-focused images. Those beams are then projected simultaneously onto an image sensor, combining them into one image with a wide depth of field.1

Compared to the previous generation of Olympus® scopes, this technology provides improved visibility and less blurring. The EZ1500 series EDOF scopes allow for closer distance in normal mode compared to the CF-HQ190L/I – 3mm vs. 5mm – without blurring, limiting the need to switch from normal to near mode.

The GIF-EZ1500 gastroscope and the CF-EZ1500DL/I colonoscope also feature a lightweight ErgoGrip™ control section and compatibility with Texture and Color Enhancement Imaging (TXI™), Red Dichromatic Imaging (RDI™) and Narrow Band Imaging™ (NBI™) technologies when connected to the EVIS X1 CV-1500 video system center.

The ErgoGrip™ control section of EVIS X1 endoscopes is 10% lighter than the 190 series scope control section and features a rounded handle and easy-to-reach angulation control knobs and switches to accommodate users with small hands and support scope maneuverability.2

"As a leading global MedTech company, Olympus remains committed to providing advanced options to help physicians offer their patients the best care possible," said Kurt Heine, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Gastrointestinal Solutions at Olympus Corporation. "Our goal is to elevate the standard of endoscopy, and Extended Depth of Field (EDOF) technology represents Olympus' most advanced scope technology to help physicians drive the best clinical outcomes for advancing gastrointestinal procedures."

The EVIS X1™ endoscopy system revolutionizes the way gastrointestinal disorders are detected, characterized and treated with innovative, easy-to-use diagnostic and therapeutic technologies and improved scope handling. The EVIS X1 endoscopy system provides a high level of patient care for every endoscopist, in every procedure, every day.