Olympus to Distribute Terumo’s Glidewire in U.S.

Olympus has forged a strategic partnership with Japanese-based devicemaker Terumo to distribute its Glidewire urologic device in the U.S., Center Valley, Pa.-based Olympus announced May 15.

The move complements their existing partnership in the gastroenterology field.

Glidewire was designed for minimally invasive urology use during ureteroscopies, percutaneous nephrolithotomy and lithotripsy procedures, among others. The product allows for easy tracking of urological instruments, catheters and stents, Olympus says.

Furthermore, the device’s kink resistant design enables a gradual taper that allows for flexibility and provides better patient access, as well as containing a trauma-reducing tapered core wire and hydrophilic distal tip for safety and comfort.

Olympus launched five new urology products, including the Glidewire device, at the recently held American Urological Association Annual Meeting in New Orleans, La. — Jason Scott