Upgraded Electrosurgical Knife Shortens Procedural Time

An endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) electrosurgical knife now also integrates submucosal injection for efficient, safe, and more reliable performance.

The Olympus Medical (Olympus; Tokyo, Japan) DualKnife J is a disposable electrosurgical knife with an adjustable length and a dome-shaped cutting section designed to simplify marking, incision, and dissection in all directions. Knife length can be precisely fixed at either of two positions (retracted 0.1 mm or extended to 2 mm), eliminating the need to maintain the cutting wire length during the procedure. Distinct markers on the sheath provide endoscopic verification of cutting depth, with white and gray markers designation 1.5 mm, and a blue marker denoting 1.0 mm.

The ability to control knife length adjustments for extension and retraction provide optimal handling and reduced risk of perforation. The device also provides a jet function, which is designed to provide simultaneous dissection and lifting of the mucosa by injecting a saline solution into the submucosal layer, thereby eliminating the need to change devices. Fluid is delivered using an endoscopic flushing pump that provides desired flow rates and pressure. Performing lifting and dissection with the same device can potentially lead to shorter procedure times.

“Olympus stays true to its commitment to improve already excellent and best-in-class products, in this case by integrating the injection capability that will save physicians time and help get patients more quickly into recovery,” said Kurt Heine, vice president of endoscopy at Olympus America. “We expect DualKnife J to be a driver in bringing more practices into the value-based paradigm of minimally invasive procedures, which help reduce costs while improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.”

“DualKnife J allows us to further innovative ESD procedures as part of an overall value-based care initiative, providing more minimally invasive procedures to patients so they may reap the benefits that come with avoiding more invasive forms of surgery,” said Sergey Kantsevoy, MD, PhD, director of therapeutic endoscopy at Mercy Medical Center (Baltimore, MD, USA). “We have come to rely on the DualKnife J as it can decrease procedural time and increase our efficiencies, and can also lead to better patient outcomes.”

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