Olympus Launches Advanced EU-ME3 Ultrasound Processor in U.S., Unifying EUS and EBUS Capabilities on One Platform

Olympus Corporation, a global leader in medical technology, has announced the U.S. release of its latest innovation—the EU-ME3 Ultrasound Processor. This next-generation device integrates both endoscopic and endobronchial ultrasound (EUS/EBUS) into a single, compact system, delivering performance comparable to that of a dedicated, high-end ultrasound center.

Engineered for a broad range of diagnostic and interventional applications, the EU-ME3 enhances imaging for hepatobiliary-pancreatic and pulmonary procedures. It expands the potential of endosonography with high-resolution visuals, user-focused design, and cutting-edge functions.

Optimized for detecting and evaluating lesions, the EU-ME3 delivers crystal-clear images during EUS and EBUS exams. It incorporates advanced imaging features like s-FOCUS and Tissue Harmonic Echo to improve depth-of-field resolution, reduce artifacts, and enhance signal-to-noise ratio.

The platform also includes customizable settings, allowing healthcare providers to tailor the system to match physician preferences and procedural needs.

Compatible with a full range of Olympus® EUS and EBUS endoscopes and miniature probes—both old and new—the EU-ME3 is built for adaptability, making it a cost-efficient solution across multiple clinical specialties.

As healthcare facilities look for ways to improve patient outcomes and save costs, we are pleased to offer our customers a versatile, state-of-the-art ultrasound platform for GI and pulmonary applications,” said Richard Reynolds, President of the Medical Systems Group at Olympus Corporation of the Americas. “The EU-ME3 allows physicians to realize clinical efficacy through premier imaging that supports early detection and diagnosis for patients.

Enhanced GI Imaging with EUS

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) combines ultrasound and endoscopy to provide detailed images of the upper digestive tract and surrounding internal structures. During EUS, the ultrasound transducer is inserted orally and positioned near the targeted area to obtain high-resolution imaging.

The EU-ME3 supports diagnostic, therapeutic, and interventional procedures for conditions affecting the upper gastrointestinal tract and adjacent organs, including the pancreas, liver, bile duct, gallbladder, and spleen.

With over 197,000 new upper GI cancer cases expected in the U.S. by 2025 and an estimated 119,590 deaths, according to the American Cancer Society, early detection is crucial. Tools like EUS help physicians diagnose gastrointestinal cancers when they are most treatable, improving patient survival outcomes.

Pulmonary Applications with EBUS

The EU-ME3 also supports endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), a minimally invasive procedure used to visualize lymph nodes near the lungs. It provides both linear and radial EBUS capabilities in one system, allowing for procedural flexibility and economic efficiency.

Clinical guidelines from the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) recommend EBUS-TBNA (transbronchial needle aspiration) over surgery for initial mediastinal staging of lung cancer. This non-surgical technique allows for real-time, ultrasound-guided tissue sampling. Radial EBUS is also endorsed as an auxiliary tool for assessing peripheral lung nodules in patients requiring a diagnosis but unsuitable for surgery.

Lung cancer remains the deadliest form of cancer in the U.S., projected to cause nearly 125,000 deaths in 2025, according to the National Cancer Institute. Despite established screening protocols, only 16% of high-risk individuals are currently screened. Notably, the survival rate for early-stage lung cancer is 67%, compared to just 12% when diagnosed at an advanced stage.

Advanced Imaging Features to Elevate Endosonography

The EU-ME3 includes a suite of sophisticated imaging capabilities, which can be added over time based on clinical needs and available resources:

• Shear Wave Quantification (SWQ): Offers quantitative tissue stiffness measurements by calculating the velocity of shear waves in a designated region of interest.

• Elastography (ELST): Measures tissue strain during compression and relaxation, providing insight into tissue elasticity and structural properties.

• Contrast Harmonic Echo (CHE): Captures harmonic signals from contrast agents and biological tissues using the new C-THE mode, enhancing diagnostic imaging through improved contrast resolution.

This new processor from Olympus is designed to empower clinicians with greater imaging precision, flexibility, and confidence—helping them detect disease earlier, plan interventions more effectively, and improve outcomes across both GI and pulmonary specialties.