Japan-based Olympus has recently announced the launch of the Olympus Procedure Kits, in partnership with US-based Ruhof Corporation, and Hybrid Tubing, two new single-use and single-day devices that reduce the chances for cross-contamination. 

Olympus has partnered with Ruhof Corporation to bring Procedure Kits into its growing EndoTherapy portfolio. The kits, also known as compliance kits, convenience kits, or bedside kits, are a convenient grouping of products designed to aid in the setup and execution of applicable procedures and improve procedural efficiency and post-procedure pre-cleaning. Common items found in the kits include Air/Water, Suction, & Biopsy Valves, Gauze Pads, Lubricant, Chux/Underpads, Suction Tubing, Emesis Basins, Enzymatic Sponges, Flushing Syringes, and more.

Adoption of procedure kits enables customers to properly care for their endoscopes and reduce the risk of infection. All components are focused on finding efficiencies within three areas:

• Preventing Infection:
• Kit components are single-use, eliminating the potential for reuse or cross-contamination
• ECO-Bedside Kit, enhanced with Bio-Clean technology, begins cleaning on contact
• The number of contact points during transportation compared to stocking individual items is significantly reduced

• Improving Procedural Efficiency:
• Efficiency is increased before, during, and after the procedure by ensuring that all cleaning and procedural items are available
• Procedure kits reduce ordering time, inventory management costs, and packaging waste
• Guardian Valves are the only single-use valves validated by Olympus for use with Olympus scopes and eliminate the burden of manual cleaning and reprocessing

• Enabling Proper Care:
• Procedure kits ensure that all necessary items are available at point-of-use
• Guidelines for processing and transportation are met, helping to reduce the potential for endoscope damage
• The consistent quality of care through standardization in every case and in the reprocessing cycle

The latest addition to the Olympus tubing portfolio is the Hybrid Tubing. The all-in-one design is helping to decrease procedural setup time and increase efficiencies in the endoscopy suite. Similar to the Procedure Kits, the single-day tubing eliminates the need for the reprocessing of reusable tubing.

Features of the new Hybrid Tubing include:

• Efficiency:
• Single-day tubing eliminates the need for reprocessing of reusable tubing, minimizing infection prevention risks
• Tube markers make identification of pump head position on the irrigation tube more intuitive and visually obvious
• The all-in-one tubing design helps to decrease procedural setup time

• Strong Seals, Strong Performance:
• The two-piece cap features tubing that is bonded to the inner cap, ensuring a strong seal
• Two-piece cap seals without the need for a separate part, ensuring optimal sealing to disposable water bottles
• Dual-Port connector features a unique tunnel connection, helping to maintain shape and sealing ability over the course of multiple scope changes

• Ease of Use:
• Two-Piece Cap designed for single-handed attachment to the bottle without twisting the tubes
• Pinch clamp designed in a simple on/off design, ensuring flow of water is prevented when engaged
• Dual Port connector features an ergonomic grip for easy identification and simplified connection