Olympus Launches Innovative Hot/Cold Polypectomy Snare

SnareMaster Plus Completes EndoTherapeutic Snare Portfolio

The 510(K) Cleared Snaremaster Plus Provides 2-in-1 Hot and Cold Polypectomy Options, Reducing the Need for Device Exchange, Resulting in Potential Improvements in Efficiency and Economic Value in Procedure Time.

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., (September 25, 2019) – Olympus, a global technology leader in designing and delivering innovative solutions for medical and surgical procedures, among other core businesses, announced today the U.S. launch of the SnareMaster Plus hybrid hot/cold snare. The Olympus-designed and manufactured SnareMaster Plus allows Olympus to cover all procedural applications for polypectomy through its SnareMaster portfolio, which includes the SnareMaster Soft and the SnareMaster Spiral.

SnareMaster Plus is a hybrid hot/cold snare with a unique hexagonal shape and thin wire design providing optimal flexibility and stiffness for accurate placement on tissue and precise cutting ability. In addition to its clinical value, the 510(k) cleared device provides 2-in-1 hot and cold polypectomy options, reducing the need for two separate snares. This combination feature reduces the need for device exchange, resulting in potential improvements in efficiency and economic value in procedure time. At just .3mm, the SnareMaster Plus is the thinnest snare wire in the SnareMaster portfolio.

Adding a cold snare is important to the SnareMaster portfolio because cold snaring can potentially lead to fewer post-polypectomy complications.ⁱ

“In our practice, up to 80 percent of polyps can be removed with a cold snare. The Olympus SnareMaster Plus has excellent characteristics that enable clean resection margins with excellent cutting capabilities. The Olympus SnareMaster Plus is a significant step forward in the care of GI patients.” said Paul A. Akerman, M.D., University Gastroenterology.

“Our EndoTherapy line is one of the most exciting of the Olympus businesses today,” said Kurt Heine, Group Vice President at Olympus America Inc. “As the company that brought polypectomy to the fore as a viable approach, we are pleased to come full circle with a hybrid snare that provides clinical, cost and time-savings benefits to the procedure room. This is an important device for our customers and their patients.”

SnareMaster Plus is being made available to customers immediately. For more information on these devices, please contact Olympus customer service at 1-800-848-9024 or visit https://www.medical.olympusamerica.com/products/snaremaster-plus

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About Olympus Medical Systems Group
Olympus is a global technology leader, crafting innovative optical and digital solutions in medical technologies; life sciences; industrial solutions; and cameras and audio products. Throughout our 100-year history, Olympus has focused on being true to society and making people’s lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling.
Our Medical Business works with health care professionals to combine our innovative capabilities in medical technology, therapeutic intervention, and precision manufacturing with their skills to deliver diagnostic, therapeutic and minimally invasive procedures to improve clinical outcomes, reduce overall costs and enhance quality of life for patients. For more information, visit medical.olympusamerica.com.

ⁱ Tan J, et al. Abstract 714. Presented at: Digestive Disease Week, May 16-19, 2015; Washington, D.C.