Olympus THUNDERBEAT Recognized as a 2012 Innovation of the Year

The Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons selects world’s only fully-integrated advanced bipolar and ultrasonic energy platform as one of four award recipients.

Center Valley, PA., September 10, 2012 - The Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons (SLS), the largest minimally invasive and laparoscopic society in North America, recently selected Olympus' THUNDERBEAT as one of their ‘2012 Innovations of the Year.’ In selecting recipients, SLS recognizes the most innovative products of the year that have a multidisciplinary application in minimally invasive surgery.

THUNDERBEAT is the world's only surgical device that combines advanced bipolar and ultrasonic energies into a single multi-functional hand instrument, allowing surgeons to simultaneously seal and cut vessels up to and including 7 mm in size with minimal thermal spread. When combined with the versatility of the ESG-400 electrosurgical generator, THUNDERBEAT is the only surgical tissue management system that delivers every common form of energy used in surgery today (monopolar, bipolar, ultrasonic, and advanced bipolar) as well as the revolutionary combination of advanced bipolar and ultrasonic energies.

“It is an honor to have THUNDERBEAT distinguished by SLS as one of their 2012 Innovations of the Year,” commented Sandra Tilden, Vice President of Marketing, Surgical Business, Olympus America Inc. “This award symbolizes Olympus’ commitment and aim to advance medical and surgical techniques through technological solutions and innovative products such as THUNDERBEAT.”

Olympus’ THUNDERBEAT was one of only four products acknowledged by SLS as a 2012 Innovation of the Year. Allison Toth, Product Manager for Olympus, accepted the award on Wednesday, September 5th at Minimally Invasive Surgery Week - SLS • MIRA • SRS Joint Annual Meeting and Endo Expo 2012 in Boston, MA.

Olympus also earned SLS’ Innovation of the Year award in 2007 for the UCR CO2 intra-luminal insufflation unit and in 2010 for the HALO PKS Cutting Forceps.

About SLS
The Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons was established as an educational, non-profit organization to help ensure the highest standards for the practice of laparoscopic, endoscopic and minimally invasive surgery. The Society serves surgeons from various specialties and other health professionals who are interested in advancing their expertise in the diagnostic and therapeutic uses of Laparoendoscopic and minimally invasive surgical techniques. With an international membership of over 6,000 surgeons, the organization offers a unique approach to the study and education of minimally invasive surgery by bringing together different medical specialties that use the techniques and tools of minimally invasive surgery.

About Olympus
Olympus is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering innovative solutions in its core business areas: Medical and Surgical Products, Life Science Imaging Systems, Industrial Measurement and Imaging Instruments and Cameras and Audio Products.

Olympus works collaboratively with its customers and affiliates worldwide to leverage R&D investment in precision technology and manufacturing processes across diverse business lines. These include:

• Gastrointestinal endoscopes, accessories, and minimally invasive surgical products;
• Advanced research, clinical and educational microscopes and research and educational digital imaging systems;
• Industrial research, engineering, test, inspection and measuring instruments; and
• Digital cameras and voice recorders.

Olympus serves the healthcare field with integrated product solutions and financial, educational and consulting services that help customers to efficiently, reliably and more easily achieve exceptional results. Olympus develops breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality for the consumer and professional photography markets, and also is the leader in gastrointestinal endoscopy and clinical and educational microscopes. For more information, visit www.olympusamerica.com.

Media Contacts:
Mark Miller, Olympus America Inc., (484) 896-3020, mark.miller@olympus.com