Olympus has entered an exclusive distribution agreement with Terumo for the supply of its Glidewire endoscopic hydrophilic coated guidewire in the US.
Terumo Glidewire was developed for the endoscopic treatment of the biliary and pancreatic systems.
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Glidewire, which complements imaging and therapeutic device solutions currently offered by Olympus EndoTherapy, can be used in gastroenterological procedures.
The partnership will allow both companies to expand access to quality guidewire for physicians nationwide.
The guidewire is used for biliary endoscopy or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), a procedure that combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy.
ERCP allows physicians to diagnose and treat problems in the gall bladder, bile ducts, pancreas and liver. It will be used to remove gall stones and control strictures, leaks resulting from trauma or surgery, and cancers.
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By GlobalDataAccording to Truven Health Analytics data, more than 600,000 ERCP procedures were performed in the US in 2013.
During this procedure, guidewires are used to obtain initial access to a target duct or confined space and help advance bulkier devices to the desired location.
University of North Carolina (UNC) Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy director Dr Todd Baron said: “I have used the Glidewire for ERCP and for complex advanced endoscopic procedures for more than 20 years.
“I find it to be extremely useful for navigating difficult strictures, especially when other guidewires have failed.”
Glidewire is part of the VisiGlide guidewire range, which is used for guiding and exchanging endoscopic accessories in the biliary system, including the common bile, cystic, pancreatic and right and left hepatic ducts.
The Glidewire endoscopic guidewire can help facilities increase the quality of care, decrease costs and enhance patient satisfaction.
Image: Terumo Glidewire endoscopic hydrophilic coated guidewire. Photo: courtesy of Olympus.
