Olympus, Center Valley, Pa, has expanded its device portfolio for endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) with new ViziShot 2 single-use aspiration needles. EBUS-TBNA is a minimally invasive alternative to a surgical procedure and is considered the gold standard for lung cancer staging.
The new needles were developed to offer improved access, usability, and puncture of difficult-to-access lymph node targets. The ‘backcut’ design of the ViziShot 2 provides a sharper needle, reducing puncture force required to sample even calcified lymph nodes. An ergonomic handle design and improved bronchoscope adapter enable stability and precise puncture control throughout the procedure. The newly designed green-colored sheath provides endoscopic visibility to ensure the needle can be deployed at the exact location required, with minimal sheath movement. Both 21 G and 22 G sizes are available to suit physician needs.
In addition to the ViziShot 2, Olympus recently introduced the ViziShot 2 Flex 19 G needle, featuring a new ergonomic handle. When used with the Olympus BF-UC180F 2.2 mm channel EBUS bronchoscope, the needle provides up to 84° of angulation to help physicians gain access to the most difficult lymph node stations, such as 4L, with ease. According to Olympus, the needle has the largest inner lumen currently available in the United States, ensuring improved sample acquisition for advanced molecular testing and enabling physicians to obtain ample quantities of the high-quality specimens needed for a comprehensive histological analysis, especially when diagnosing sarcoidosis and lymphomas.
“Great strides have been made in diagnosing and staging lung cancer and other diseases of the lung using minimally-invasive approaches, and we are proud of our contributions,” says Kurt Heine, group vice president of the endoscopy division at Olympus America Inc. “Our continued commitment to pulmonologists to advance minimally invasive methods is driven by the evidence that such approaches improve patient outcomes, cost containment, and patient satisfaction.”
For more information, visit Olympus.
