Olympus today announced a strategic co-marketing agreement with Monroe Township, N.J.-based Bracco Diagnostics, the U.S. subsidiary of Bracco Imaging S.p.A. Through this agreement, Olympus and Bracco will work together to raise awareness of the role of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with contrast in the characterization of focal liver lesions. The contrast-enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasound (CH-EUS) technology will open pathways for more innovative and timely diagnosis and treatment of liver disease.
Endo-Hepatology is an up-and-coming field in the world of GI, due to the rise of liver disease and many emerging applications for EUS such as EUS-guided liver biopsy, EUS-guided shear wave measurement and now contrast-enhanced harmonic EUS.
CH-EUS is comprised of a contrast agent containing microbubbles and an endoscopic ultrasound system designed to allow the detection of microbubbles within the vasculature, with the intent to provide a more detailed view of potential pathology.
More detailed visualization during minimally invasive procedures can provide more information to physicians for use in diagnosis. Bracco Diagnostic Inc.'s Lumason ultrasound enhancing agent (sulfur hexafluoride lipid-type A microspheres), for injectable suspension and/or intravenous use or intravesical use, is the first and currently only contrast agent available for characterization of focal liver lesions in adults and pediatric patients.
Per the terms of the agreement, Olympus will co-market the Lumason ultrasound enhancing agent with Bracco Diagnostics, Inc. Risks associated with the use of Lumason include headache and nausea.
Serious cardiopulmonary reactions are possible in patients with hypersensitivity to sulfur hexafluoride lipid microsphere or its components, but they are uncommon. See full prescriptive information here.
Risks associated with EUS include or are associated with perforation, hemorrhage, fiducial placement infection, and pancreatitis. The benefits of CH-EUS are real-time imaging, avoidance of ionizing radiation and helping medical practices provide a full liver evaluation.
