Boston Scientific today announced FDA clearance of its SpyGlass DS Direct Visualization System used for inspecting bile ducts and the pancreas. This is an upgrade to the original SpyGlass which introduced the ability for a single physician to perform ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) procedures while guiding devices to treat gallstones and other conditions.

The new system has a considerably greater image resolution and a 60% wider field of view than the original SpyGlass. It has also been improved for faster and easier preparation, in part thanks to a new controller that fits with standard ERCP carts.

The system consists of a fully integrated SpyScope™ DS Access and Delivery Catheter, and a single-use scope to eliminate probe reprocessing and image degradation over multiple uses.

“I’m extremely pleased with the overall functionality of the new SpyGlass DS System,” said Robert Hawes, M.D., FASGE, The Center for Interventional Endoscopy at Florida Hospital Orlando. “It was quick and easy to set up (‘plug and play’), the image quality and stability excellent and the four-way tip deflection intuitive. The system now enables endoscopists with ERCP expertise to perform cholangioscopy with or without intervention. My expectation is that this technology will increase our ability to diagnose and treat pancreatobiliary diseases and reduce the number of repeat ERCPs.”

source:Boston Scientific