Revolutionary Surgical Camera system now available in the UAE

Launched throughout the UAE, the technology is now available for the first time in the Middle East and Africa

Dubai: Olympus, the market-leading medical optics and instruments company, today announced the launch onto the regional market of its pioneering surgical orbital camera system, ORBEYE – for microsurgical procedures. The newly introduced tool, now installed in hospitals, is expected to greatly enhance microsurgical procedures for neurosurgeons who at present rely on traditional microscopes for their precision surgeries.

The launch of the ORBEYE Camera System into the regional market from Olympus’s UAE MEA headquarters aims to ease operational processes for surgeons and to provide them with clearer viewing capabilities, with the incorporation of the new instrument into surgery aimed at ultimately improving patient outcomes.

The Ministry of Health in the UAE has identified brain cancer as ranking amongst the top five leading cancer variants affecting adult males in the country¹ and aims to reduce cancer-related deaths by 18% within two years². In order to meet such targets, the UAE encourages innovation in the field, driven by the need for instruments with advanced optical capabilities. ORBEYE aims to help surgeons meet this goal with its advanced capabilities. In addition to facilitating surgery on tumours, ORBEYE addresses a variety of other medical issues pertaining to the brain, with patients requiring neurosurgery who are based outside the UAE able to take advantage of it by flying in for procedures, thanks to the UAE’s high level of connectivity.

The adoption of the ORBEYE Camera System provides a host of advantages to neurosurgeons which will in turn translate into better patient outcomes not only in the MEA region but also across the world. Through the use of this ground-breaking technology, neurosurgeons have access to an enlarged stereoscopic visual field of the surgical site, which improves surgical accuracy”, shared Professor Jan Regelsberger, Vice Chairman of the Neurochirurgische Klinik, Hamburg, Germany. He goes on to add, “Furthermore, the clearer viewing capabilities resulting from its usage, not only augment procedural accuracy but also allow for more efficient training and consulting opportunities with additional surgeons.” 

ORBEYE is the first optical technology system to utilise a 4K and 3D camera, with the advanced features serving to augment surgical visibility in the field of neurosurgery through immersive imaging. By using this innovative instrument, neurosurgeons are presented with a more ergonomic solution to surgeries stemming from the removal of ocular lenses, with other consulting surgeons also able to join the procedure and enable multi-expert procedures. This feature also gives rise to the suitability of the ORBEYE for training and education, as all procedures are clearly visible on the large screen. Developer and manufacturer Olympus - internationally-recognised as a leading source of optical and digital precision technology - will launch ORBEYE to countries across the MEA region after the UAE.

“We are delighted to introduce ORBEYE to the UAE as a groundbreaking addition to the field of neurosurgical equipment and technology. We foresee a strong reception in the regional market, given that it frees surgeons from the constraints of ocular based microscopes, and enhances operational accuracy”, shared Maurice Faber, Regional Managing Director at Olympus MEA. He further commented, “We are grateful to the local authorities for their support and look forward to contributing to building a healthier community through the regional launch of ORBEYE in line with our 100-year anniversary.”

The use of traditional microscopes in medicine over the years has resulted in successful surgical procedures, but the equipment does have drawbacks such as only the operating surgeon is able to fully understand the nuances of the ongoing procedure, with no room for opinions from consulting doctors. In addition, given the long hours and high levels of focus that are required, it becomes physically and mentally taxing for neurosurgeons to continually view the procedures they are engaged in through a traditional microscope. The magnified feed on the ORBEYE screen lends itself to a better understanding of the patient’s physical condition, while consulting doctors can also advise in live time, thereby augmenting the effectiveness of the procedure. ORBEYE also becomes instrumental in teaching young medical professionals, as now a significantly larger number of students can participate in surgery without being at the surgical table. Students can view and follow the steps of the surgery each step of the way, thanks to an immersive 4K and realistic 3D image on a large 55’ monitor. Enhancing these advantages, ORBEYE is also functionally beneficial, being both simple to set up and manoeuvre, within the operating room, while occupying far less space than its predecessor.

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About ORBEYE

ORBEYE is a revolutionary innovation, developed in a cooperation between Sony and Olympus and sold by Olympus. The product consists of an ergonomically designed camera, mounted on an easy-to set up and conveniently manoeuvrable stand, as well as a 55 inch, 4K 3D screen, projecting the camera feed live to viewers. The ORBEYE outweighs its predecessors through its prioritising of a shared approach to surgery, allowing more than one doctor to view all procedures through its screen, as well as offering an ergonomic solution to the compromised posture that microscopes demand when used in surgery.

ORBEYE was launched onto the global market in 2017 and is in use across the Europe and USA. It has been brought to the UAE as part of the integration process into the wider Middle East and African markets. The product is primarily aimed at the neurosurgical discipline, however, however, due to “plug and play” nature and simple set up as well as maneuverability it also lends itself to other microsurgical disciplines as well, thus cross-functionally utility can realistically be implemented in an operating department.

About Olympus

Olympus is a world-leading manufacturer of optical and digital precision technology, with the company developing and marketing innovative medical equipment, digital cameras and industry solutions. The medical division of the Japanese firm, headquartered in Hamburg, produces internationally recognised products that are utilised in disease diagnosis, prevention and cure. 2019 is the 100^th year anniversary of Olympus and marks a century of the company’s groundbreaking optical products and services.

For Further Information Please Contact:
Olympus MEA
Name: Anita Sahagian-Martorell
Role: Regional Marketing Communications Manager
T:   +971 (0) 4 363 1500
E: anita.sahagian@olympus-mea.com

Asda’a Burson Cohn & Wolfe (BCW)
Name: Stephanie Tasrini
Role: Account Director
M: +971 52 9632868
E: stephanie.tasrini@bcw-global.com

© Press Release 2019