Appendix

Appendix

The History of ESD: GI Endoscopy

1950

Development of the World sFirst Practical Gastrocamera

In 1949, with the request of Dr. Tatsuro Uji(Department of Surgery, the University ofTokyo Hospital Koishikawa Branch) that he“ somehow wants to cure the stomach cancer
that afflicts so many Japanese people, ”theOlympus technical team began developmentof a gastrocamera. After developing
numerous essential technologies such as aminiature lamp to illuminate the inside of thestomach, a wide-angle lens to capture alarge field of view, a device for winding thefilm, and choosing materials to construct theflexible tube used to inserted the miniaturecamera into the patient, they succeeded indeveloping a prototype in 1950 andcommercialized and launched it two years
later in 1952. They continued theiraggressive work with doctors to improve thedevice, and, in turn, physicians worked on
rapidly developing techniques for diagnosing
ailments of the digestive organs.

1964

1983

1985

2002

2020

Introduction of the Fiberscope

Introduction of Endoscopic
Ultrasound System

Introduction of EVIS 1
Endoscopic Video System

Introduction of EVIS LUCERA̶
the World s First High-Definition
Endoscopic Video System

Introduction of EVIS X1
Endoscopy System

In 1983, the videoscope was initiallyintroduced in the U.S. While this first
instrument was ground-breaking,
Olympus ’own initial offering, released
in 1985, was seen as a significant
improvement. A videoscope has an
imaging element such as a charge
coupled device (CCD) built into its
distal tip. The image captured by thissensor is converted to a video signal
and is then displayed on a monitor for
all in the room to see. This allowed
multiple doctors and healthcare
professionals to observe
simultaneously, and diagnostic
accuracy increased rapidly. Following
the introduction of videoscopes, there
continued to be numerous
technological advances, such as
high-definition imaging, Narrow Band
Imaging (NBI) and much more.
Videoscopes have dramaticallyincreased the endoscope ’s diagnostic
and therapeutic potential.

In 2002, Olympus developed theworld ’
s first high-definition endoscopic
video system. By combining advanced
imaging technologies, it became
possible to provide improved image
accuracy capable of detecting eventhe smallest of lesions. The system
was equipped with more advanced
image processing technologies,
including the index of hemoglobin(IHb) color enhancement function thathighlights slight changes in mucous
membrane color — the IHb pseudocolor display function that makes
lesions that are normally difficult to see
during observation clearly visible — andan electronic magnification function forvideo and still images.

In 2020, Olympus launched the EVIS
X1 endoscopy system. As of February
2024, the system is marketed inJapan, U.S., Europe, China, and partsof Asia. Our most advanced endoscopy
system to date, EVIS X1 hasundergone a model change from theprevious models for the first time inabout eight years. Aiming to improve
the quality of endoscopic procedure in
the detection, characterization,
staging, and treatment of irregularlesions, as well as examination
efficiency by endoscopy, the EVIS X1
system contributes to early detection,
early diagnosis, and minimally invasive
treatment of gastrointestinal diseases
such as cancer by being equipped witha variety of new technologies.

However, there was a problem with the gastrocamera. Unlike thegastroscope, it could not view the inside of the stomach directly, in realtime. The device blindly took photographs of the stomach ’s interior andthe film had to be processed before the doctor could see what thegastrocamera saw. What solved this problem was the development of thefiberscope, introduced in 1957.
In 1964, with a gastrocamera already able to take sharp photographsof the stomach, Olympus released a gastrocamera with a fiberscopeattached. This combined instrument allowed the doctor to both observe
the stomach in real time and to take high-quality photographs for
documentation. Olympus ’reputation in the medical field grew. A
fiberscope is made up of tens of thousands of optical fibers; each fiberwith a diameter of 8 microns, a width approximately 1/10th of a humanhair. As the image is transmitted optically, the endoscope itself can bend.
Since doctors were now able to directly see inside the patient's body,techniques necessary for examination became easier, and the fiberscope ’spopularity quickly spread. The diagnostic area also expanded to theesophagus, duodenum, large intestine, bronchial tubes, and bile ducts.
Furthermore, the real-time image of the fiberscope allowed medical
treatment to be performed through endoscopes, which was a tremendous
advantage. By inserting devices through a instrument channel andperforming surgery on a tumor while looking inside the body in real time,minimally invasive procedures became possible, and reducing
doctors ’reliance on surgical scalpels.

■The History of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Roots in Ancient Greece“ I want to view the inside of a human. I want to unravel the mysteries of life. ”

Since ancient times, there has been a quest to find a way to observe the inside of
the human body. It began with Hippocrates, the father of medicine, and ancient
Greece in the 4th Century BCE. Horses were important for transportation backthen and many people developed hemorrhoids from riding. By using a device,
said to be the first endoscope, to observe the interior of the anus, thehemorrhoids were able to be healed through burning. Many centuries later,
modern endoscopes began with the“ Light Conductor, ”made in 1805 by theGerman physician Philipp Bozzini. It looked like a lantern and by inserting a metal
tube into the urethra, rectum, or pharynx, the light would help with observations.

Named the "Endoscope" in France

Examinations with Street Performers

In 1853, the French physician, A.J.
Desormeaux, created a device forobserving the urethra and bladder. This
was the first time the term
“ endoscope ”was used.

The first person in the world to successfully observe the stomach was the German physician, Adolph Kussmaul. In 1868,
expanding on Desormeaux's endoscope, he fashioned a metal pipe with a length of 47cm and a diameter of 13mm in his
medical equipment shop, and performed an examination on a sword-swallower. However, the lamp produced an insufficientamount of light, and he could not adequately illuminate the inside of the body. Therefore, there was no practical endoscope
until the introduction of electric lighting. In 1879, the Germany physician, Maximilian Nitze, and the Austrian electricalengineer, Joseph Leiter, made a cystoscope using an electric light as the source. They then went on to construct anesophagoscope and a gastroscope. In 1881, the Polish physician, Jan Mikulicz-Radecki, with the help of Leiter, created arigid gastroscope where the first third of the tip was curved.

1950 OLYMPUS
The First Practical Gastroscope
The first practical gastroscope appeared in 1932. It was the flexible gastroscope developed by German physician, Rudolf
Schindler. It had a length of 75cm, a diameter of 11mm, and a third of the tip was curved slightly. However, since thisendoscope was essentially a metal tube that was inserted into the body, the procedure was painful for the patient, and there
was a possibility of accidents, such as perforation of the GI tract. Prior to WWII, their use was limited only to parts of Europe
and Japan.

38

The Idea of the Gastrocamera
However, the idea of a stomach camera that has anultra-small camera attached to the tip of a flexible tube andwhich could take pictures inside the digestive tract emergedin Europe and the U.S. at the end of the 19th century. In
1898, the developments of two German physicians, Fritz
Lange and Carl Meltzing, were presented, but as the images
obtained were blurry, they proved to be impractical.

Development of the World s First Practical Gastrocamera(See above for the rest of our Company’s history.)

39

Appendix

Appendix

The History of ESD: Surgical Endoscopy

1975

1986

1996

2015

2021

2022

Launch of Laparoscope

Olympus First Medical TV System
for Surgery LaunchedVideo Systems to Meet Diverse
Needs

Launched VISERA 4K UHD SurgicalEndoscopy System Incorporating 4K
Technology

Expanding Fluorescence Imaging
Market Portfolio

Launched VISERA ELITE III SurgicalEndoscopy System

In the area of surgical endoscopy,
Olympus began selling laparoscopesfrom the German rigid scope
manufacturer, Winter & Ibe GmbH
(W&I, later OWI), in 1975. At that time,
laparoscopes were used in gynecology
for purposes such as sterilization, andin internal medicine for procedures that
included observing the surface of theliver and collecting tissue for the
diagnosis of liver diseases.

After that, there was a growing need toattach a video camera to a rigid
endoscope and for its images to beobserved on a monitor. Therefore,
Olympus began developing a TV
system as an imaging device forsurgery.
In 1986, Olympus developed andlaunched its first medical TV system,
the OTV-S, for use with rigid
endoscopes for surgical applications.
Subsequently, Olympus undertook
development of many products, andtheir imaging equipment significantly
supported the advance andwidespread adoption of rigid
endoscope examinations using amonitor during surgery.

In operating rooms, a wide variety ofdedicated endoscope designs wereavailable to meet the needs of each
medical specialty. In 1996, Olympus
introduced the OTV-S5 video system,an Olympus Endoscopy System (OES)
allowing multiple types of camera
heads and videoscopes to beconnected for various needs. The
OTV-S5 served as a surgical imaging
system, rather than just a video camera
attached to a rigid scope. In 1999,
Olympus also introduced the OTV-S6
video system that included a lineup ofcamera heads, which could withstandthe autoclave (high-pressure steam)used to sterilize many instruments inoperating rooms.

Sony Olympus Medical Solutions wasestablished in 2013 as a joint venturewith Sony. The joint venture launched
its first product in 2015, a surgicalendoscope system incorporating 4K
technology that provided surgeons
with added value during endoscopic
procedures through the use ofhigh-resolution images, a wide color
range and a wide field of view.

In 2021, Olympus made the Dutch
medical equipment manufacturer,
Quest Photonic Devices B.V., a wholly
owned subsidiary.
Olympus thereby acquired
fluorescence imaging technology thatmakes the blood vessels under surface
tissue visible by combining near-infrared light and fluorescent dyes, so thatthe fluorescent agents flowing in the
bloodstream shine. We look forward to
expanding our portfolio in the rapidly
expanding fluorescence imaging
market and researching and developing
next-generation molecular imaging
technologies.

In 2022, Olympus launched VISERAELITE III that offers surgicalvisualization features including 4K, 3D,
infrared (IR) imaging, all supported in
one system. Future software upgrades
will advance surgical imaging
technology and allow for individual
configurations that facilitate seamlesssupport of various surgicalapplications. VISERA ELITE III features
Sony ’
s cutting-edge digital imaging
technology enhanced by leading
endoscope manufacturer Olympus ’expertise in manufacturing medical
equipment and understanding the needof medical facilities. Sony Olympus
Medical Solutions has leveraged thesecapabilities to develop the system ’sessential technologies and to optimize
medical device image processing.

■The History of Endoscopic Surgery
1975 OLYMPUS
Roots in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Treatment
The history of endoscopic surgery goes back to 1910, whenthoracoscopes were used in the treatment of pulmonary
tuberculosis. In the 1960s, endoscopes were being used in
the areas of urology and gynecology in Europe. They
became a common way to treat urinary stones.

40

Launch of Laparoscope(See above for the rest of our Company’s history.)

Beginning of Endoscoptic Surgery
In 1978, the German surgeon, Kurt Semm, developed an automatic insufflator. The first known endoscopic surgery was anappendectomy performed by Kurt Semm in 1981. It was the first attempt to greatly change laparoscopy, from the traditional
approach through an orifice to an approach using an incision into the body. In 1985, the German surgeon, Erich Mühe,
performed an endoscopic gallbladder removal.

The Accomplishments of Mouret

Health Insurance Coverage Starts in 1992

However, the man who was instrumental in the spread of endoscopic surgery was the French surgeon, Philippe Mouret. In
1987, he performed a gallbladder removal by attaching a CCD camera to the laparoscope and projecting the resulting video
image on a TV monitor. He established the current style of laparoscopic surgery where the surgery is performed cooperatively
in the view of doctors, assistants, and engineers. The first endoscopic gallbladder removal in Japan was performed in 1990
by Professor Tatsuro Yamakawa of Teikyo University. Starting in 1991, endoscopes were being used to resect the stomach
for the treatment of stomach cancer. Since the early 1990s there have been many technological advancements in addition to
the accelerated clinical use of endoscopic surgery. As stated previously, a key development was the coupling of endoscopes
to external CCD cameras. The ability to view the operation on a video monitor allowed for a high level of cooperation
between doctors and their assistants. The development of devices and equipment for surgery in body cavities that cannot bereached directly by hand progressed rapidly.

In Japan, starting in 1992 with gallbladder removal, endoscopic surgery is rapidly becoming covered by health insurance.
Hernioplasty, lung resection, and gynecological surgeries were covered by health insurance starting in 1994, stomach
resection in 1995, and 18 surgeries including splenectomy and liver removal in 1996.
Activities aimed at spreading endoscopic surgery are also popular in Japan. The Society for Endoscopic Surgery wasstarted in 1990, and the Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery (JSES) was established in 1995. The goals of these societies
include both research and education. As of July 2008, membership was over 10,000. These societies foster increased
awareness of endoscopic surgery through various conferences and publications, and certify technical competence in thesenew procedures through their physician certification programs.

41

Appendix

Appendix

The History of TSD: GI EndoTherapy

1966

Launched Olympus First Biopsy
Scope and Endotherapy Devices(Biopsy Forceps/Cytology Brushes)

1970

ERCP

1975

EST

Clip hemostasis

1980 s

EMRC

ESD

2002

2020

Electrosurgical knife

Colonoscope distal attachment

Major Developments in Biliary Tract
and Pancreas Fields

Contributions to New Hemostasis
Techniques

Resects Wider Range of Lesions

Resects Mucosa in Entire Areaaround Lesions

Expanding Lineup of Device to Treat
Gastrointestinal DiseaseIn 1970, Olympus launched theduodenofiberscope, and there was great
progress made in diagnosis andtreatment in the biliary tract andpancreas fields. By using a cannula
while projecting X-rays of the biliary tract
and pancreas, physicians developed
techniques including endoscopic
retrograde cholangio pancreatography(ERCP) to detect tumors and otherlesions, and endoscopic sphincterotomy(EST) to widen the opening of theduodenal papilla with a high-frequency
scalpel.

In 1975, in response to the demand forless bleeding during endoscopic therapy
and hemostasis with an endoscope,
Olympus also launched an endotherapy
device called a coagulator to cauterize
and staunch sites of bleeding with ahigh-frequency electric current. In thesame year, Olympus also launched an
endoscopic clip that stops bleeding bydirectly grasping and pinching closed
the site of bleeding. After that,
improvements continued over the courseof 10 years, and clipping became widelyused for hemostasis and marking forresection.

In the 1980s, endoscopic mucosal
resection (EMR) became practicalfollowing joint development byphysicians and Olympus. This is asurgical procedure by which saline water
is injected between lesioned tissue fromearly-stage stomach cancer or coloncancer and regular tissue to inflate thelesion, which is then removed by meansof a snare. Following the development ofdevices, endoscopic submucosal
dissection (ESD), which allows a wider
range of early-stage lesions to beendoscopically removed, was introduced
in 2002.

In 2002, Olympus developed theelectrosurgical knife, which reduced
perforation risks by adhering a ceramic
insulator to the tip of the needle-likeknife. In 2008, the electrosurgical knife,
which allowed adjusting the knife length
based on the intended use wasdeveloped. These endotherapy devices
have contributed to the development ofsafer procedures for resecting mucosa
in the entire area around a lesion.

In 2020, Olympus expanded its lineup of
gastrointestinal disease treatment
devices by acquiring the British medical
device manufacturer Arc Medical Design
Ltd. Having been designed to help
maintain and maximize visibility during acolonoscopy or endoscopic
polypectomy, the company’s flagship
ENDOCUFF VISION product is expected
to contribute to the early detection andtreatment of adenomatous polyps.

1979

1986

2005

2008

2020

Nephrofiberscope and rigid cystoscope

CystofiberscopeElectrode for TURis procedures

Launch of Nephrofiberscope andDevelopment of Rigid Cystoscope

Acquisition of German Rigid
Endoscope Manufacturer

Improvements of Fiberscope andContribution to Minimally Invasive
Treatments

Practical Application of the World sFirst Saline Prostatectomy

From Flexible Ureteroscopes toVideoscopes̶Strengthened sales
force in North America

Diagnosis and treatment using rigid
endoscopes has long been performed in
the area of urology. With its origins ingastrocameras, Olympus was a
newcomer to the area. In 1970,
however, Olympus collaborated with the
Department of Urology in the Faculty of
Medicine at the University of Tokyo anddeveloped a nephrofiberscope thatallowed observation of the ureter andrenal pelvis without surgical incision. The
University of Tokyo was the first in theworld to use this scope in clinicalapplication.
In 1972, Olympus launched the KF
nephrofiberscope designed for use in
the kidneys while developing the
CYS-K1 rigid cystoscope.

In 1979, Olympus made the German
rigid endoscope manufacturer, Winter &Ibe GmbH (W&I), one of its subsidiaries
and established the company as amanufacturing base for Olympus’rigid
endoscopes. This move allowed
Olympus to acquire a rigid endoscope
lineup for the surgical market (including
the mainstay urology market) andaccelerate the expansion of its surgicalbusiness. By combining W&I’smanufacturing technology with Olympus’
optical technology, these new rigid
endoscopes had improved optics andoperability, as well as unprecedented
system functionality and design.

In 1986, Olympus introduced the CYF
cystofiberscope and strengthened its
initiatives in urology. Unlike rigid
endoscopes, the CYF’s flexible insertion
section contributed to alleviating patient
discomfort during examinations, and thebending mechanism at the tip of thefiberscope made it possible to observe awider area inside the bladder.
Progress in improving
ureterofiberscopes included the pursuitof a thinner insertion section, improved
optics, and improved insertability
resulting from adjustments to thediameter of the instrument channel andthe distal end design. Thereafter, they
became essential for the observationand treatment of the ureter.

In 2005, physicians developed a newprocedure called TURis (trans urethralresection in saline) for resecting enlarged
prostate. Olympus developed theworld’
s first endoscopic cutting loops
for TURis and a high-frequency powerdevice to control high-frequency
currents for ablation. With TURis, theentire circumference of the electrode ismade to discharge electricity andexcision takes place through anelectrolyte solution, which allows a morestable and higher level of cutting ability
than before.

In 2008, flexible ureteroscopes evolved
from fiberscopes to videoscopes.
In the same year, Olympus madethe U.S. company Gyrus ACMI Inc. oneof its subsidiaries. Gyrus ACMI had along history and was well respected in
the endoscopy area. It was particularly
known for its expertise in urology andotorhinolaryngology, as well as energy
application treatment devices centeredon electric scalpels. The sales force inNorth America, the largest market, wasstrengthened and the market share was
expanded.

In 1966, Olympus introduced a biopsy
fiberscope with an instrument channel topass endotherapy devices through theendoscope’s insertion tube. Along withconventional endoscopic image
diagnoses, it became possible to take asample of tissue using biopsy forceps tothen be examined by a pathologist
under a microscope. Endoscopic biopsy
greatly streamlined early-stage stomach
cancer diagnosis. Subsequently,
endotherapy devices were developed
separately from those for treatment andtherapy. By 1968, academic conferenceswere presented cases of excisingstomach polyps using a snare (wireloop), and using biopsy forceps throughwhich a high-frequency electric current
passed.

The History of TSD: Urology

1972

42

Ureterovideoscope

Gyrus energy device

Minimally invasive
treatment device for BPH

Thulium fiber laser system

Introduction of Even Less Invasive
Surgical Treatment Devices

In 2020, Olympus launched iTind, aminimally invasive treatment device for
BPH, and the SOLTIVE SuperPulsed
Laser System, a thulium fiber laser
device for dusting urinary stones intovery fine particles for easy discharge
from the body. Both are treatment
devices that contribute to reducing theburden placed on patients. By
introducing these products, Olympus will
provide physicians and patients withnew options and further enhance its
portfolio in the urology area.

43

Appendix

Appendix

The History of TSD: Respiratory

1968

Bronchofiberscope

Launch of Bronchofiberscope

In 1968, the bronchofiberscope for the
respiratory area was launched. Having
received high praise for its completed
products, the quality of their fiberoptics, and the comprehensive lineup
of scope types, Olympus
bronchofiberscopes sold well
worldwide. In particular, unlike othermanufacturers, Olympus gave scope
users the ability to select the mostappropriate insertion section
specification from diameters of 3mm,
4mm, or 5mm.

2004

The History of the Olympus Medical Business

1993

Bronchovideoscope

Evolution from Fiberscope toVideoscope

After this, improvements were made,giving rise to many fiberscope models,from scopes with a large 3.2mm
channel to scopes with an external
diameter of just 1.8mm.
Then the bronchofiberscope
evolved into the bronchovideoscope.
In 1993, three bronchovideoscopemodels were launched, and since then,the use of videoscope technology has
advanced even in the respiratory area,
where slim design is required.

2010

1997

Year

Transbronchial needle aspiration(TBNA) is a method for diagnosing lungcancer by using aspiration biopsy froma lymph node on the extra-bronchialwall. The needle for this procedure isinserted through a bronchoscope.
Conventionally, the tip of the needle
could not be observed. In response torequests from physicians who wishedto utilize an ultrasound endoscope forthis procedure so that they could see
the needle, Olympus began reviewing
product specifications and developing
prototypes around 1997.

Year
2006

1952

Above-mentioned gastrocamera commercialized, announced as
GT-I

Established repair center for endoscopic products in Chinese
market2008

Gyrus plc. (UK) became subsidiary

1955

Gastrocamera Research Group established1964

GTF gastrocamera fiberscope released

Established new plant for the production of medical devices inVietnamEstablished training centers in Germany and China (Shanghai)

Established corporation in Europe
1966

GFB fiberscope for biopsy released

1968

Established corporation in U.S.

2009

Commenced operation at new factory in the Czech Republic
Established training center in China (Beijing)

2011

Spirus Medical, Inc. (U.S.) became subsidiary

1974

Partnership with Winter & Ibe GmbH in Germany (entered into
surgical endoscopy area the next year)

1979

Winter & Ibe GmbH became subsidiary

Introduction of Surgical Imaging Platform VISERA ELITEs
Established U.S. location in California (currently the world’largest endoscope service center)

Olympus’NBI Technology recognized by the Japan Institute ofInvention and Innovation

1982

Introduction of endoscopic ultrasound system

1985

EVIS 1 endoscopic video system announced

1987

KeyMed Ltd. (UK) became subsidiary

1989

Established Beijing residential office
Established corporation in Singapore

2012

Introduction of THUNDERBEAT series of world-first composite
electrosurgical devices that combine bipolar high-frequency
current and ultrasonic energy
2013

After many reviews and the productionof prototypes, in 2004, Olympus
developed and launched an ultrasoundbronchoscope, which enabled
confirmation of the needle tip ’s location
during TBNA, and a specialized
aspiration needle. This led to thewidespread adoption of endoscopic
ultrasound TBNA and EBUS-TBNA(endobronchial ultrasoundtransbronchial needle aspiration) andcontributed to the realization of alymph node metastasis method that is
minimally invasive and possesses
advanced diagnostic capabilities.

44

In addition to diagnosing lung cancer,
Olympus also made full-scale efforts to
expand applications for endoscopes
for non-cancerous diseases. In 2010,
Olympus made Spiration, Inc. a
consolidated subsidiary. This U.S.
company handles minimally invasive
treatment devices for lung diseases,
such as emphysema andpneumothorax, and lung injuries.
Olympus would go on to accelerate thecompany ’s business by providing
bronchoscopic devices (valves) as aminimally invasive treatment for lungdiseases, which are on the rise.

Established Sony Olympus Medical Solutions Inc. (joint venturewith Sony Corporation)

EVIS 100/200 series endoscopic video information systemannounced

1993

Established corporation in Russia

1999

Established corporation in Thailand

2000

Introduction of EVIS EXERA series endoscopic video system inEurope and North America

2015

Introduction of VISERA 4K UHD surgical endoscopy system
incorporating 4K technology

2001

Comprehensive partnership with Terumo Corporation for medical
equipment started

2016

Established training center in Thailand

2002

Introduction of VISERA series video system for endoscopic
surgery2017

s first high-definition endoscopic video
EVIS LUCERA–the world’system–released in Japan, the UK, and parts of Asia

2019

Established new global headquarters for Therapeutic Solutions
Division in the U.S.

2020

Introduction of EVIS X1 gastrointestinal endoscopy system

Intrabronchial valve system

Acquisition of Emphysema andPneumothorax Treatment Devices

Introduction of EVIS EXERA III and EVIS LUCERA ELITE
gastrointestinal endoscopy systems

1990

2004

Widespread Adoption of Endoscopic
Ultrasound Procedures

Established medical equipment marketing company in India

2010

Launched 3D surgical videoscope system (launchedsimultaneously with a 3D videoscope featuring a world-first tip
bending function)
Established training center in China (Guangzhou)

Established corporation in Dubai

Established marketing/services company for medical equipment
in China

Acquisition of Arc Medical Design Ltd. (UK)

Celon AG (Germany) became subsidiary
2005

2006

Introduction of ENDO-AID AI-powered platform for theendoscopy system

Small intestine capsule endoscopy system introduced in Europe(expanded afterward to North America, Japan, and other regions)2021

Established center for repair of endoscopy products andmanagement of loan units in Japanese market (Shirakawa,
Fukushima Prefecture)

2022

Introduction of EVIS EXERA II and EVIS LUCERA SPECTRUM
endoscopic video systems that include NBI

Introduction of VISERA ELITE II surgical endoscope system
Image Stream Medical, Inc. (U.S.) became subsidiary

Established corporation in Brazil

EBUS-TBNA system

Main Accomplishmentss first practical gastrocamera
Development of world’

TBNA

Review of Endoscopic
Ultrasonography Procedures

Main Accomplishments

1950

Acquisition of Quest Photonic Devices B.V. (Netherlands)
Acquisition of Medi-Tate Ltd. (Israel)
Introduction of VISERA ELITE III surgical visualization platform
Acquisition of Odin Medical (Odin Vision) Ltd. (UK)Introduction of VISERA PRO surgical video endoscopy system
Established service company in Vietnam (now also responsible
for sales)

Blue items indicate the establishment of new locations and subsidiaries.

References (in order of publication date)
Yoshimura Akira,“Bright Walls”(Shinchōsha, 1984)
Tamura Kimihide and Fujita Rikiya,“Nursing Mook–Continuing Nursing Education”(Gakusyukenkyusha, 2003)
Tanaka Masao and Shimizu Shuji,“Explaining Endoscopic Testing, Treatment, and Care”(Shorinsha, 2004)
Tanuma Kumiko, Masuda Ritsuko, and Saegusa Hideto, Encyclopedia on the Structure and Diseases of the Body (Seibido Shuppan, 2007)
Kurokawa Yoshimochi,“Explaining Recent Endoscopic Surgery”(Houken, 2007)
The Journal of the Japan Medical Association,“Special Issue: The State of Endoscopic Surgery and Visions for the Future”(Dec. 2008, Vol. 137 Issue 9)
Nippon Rinsho,“Special Issue: The Cutting Edge of Endoscopy and Endoscopic Surgery–The Progress of Minimally-Invasive Therapy”(July 2010, Vol. 68 Issue 7)
NPO Committee to Encourage New Surgeons,“The Day You Become a Surgeon”(Kodansha, 2010)
Niwa Hirofumi,“History of the Digestive Endoscope”(Nihon Medical Center, 2010)45