Olympus Launches Combined Imaging Mode to Enhance Cancer Detection in Endoscopy Systems

Olympus Corporation announced the launch of the NBI+TXI observation mode, which combines Narrow Band Imaging (NBI mode) and Texture and Color Enhancement Imaging (TXI mode) into a single view for the EVIS X1 endoscopy system. Sales of the system featuring this new combined mode will begin in Japan in November 2025, with launches in other regions to follow pending local regulatory approvals.

The development represents a significant advancement in endoscopic imaging technology at a time when cancer detection remains critically important. According to 2021 statistics from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, colorectal cancer has the highest incidence rate among all types of cancer in Japan with 154,585 cases, followed by lung cancer (124,531 cases), and stomach cancer (112,881 cases). These cancers also rank among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, with lung cancer first (75,762 deaths), colorectal cancer second (53,131 deaths), and stomach cancer fourth (38,771 deaths).

The NBI+TXI mode strengthens the EVIS X1 endoscopy system's diagnostic capabilities by enhancing the brightness correction and contrast information of NBI mode. This enables clearer visualization in darker areas of the image and sharper definition of vascular and mucosal patterns, which can contribute to improved detection and diagnostic accuracy for lesions, including those associated with cancers.

NBI mode, first introduced globally in 2006, brought revolutionary changes to endoscopic imaging by improving visibility of features that were previously difficult to detect. The CV-1500 video system center incorporates the latest NBI mode, achieving improved brightness compared to the original NBI mode. TXI mode, introduced with the CV-1500, further improves lesion visibility through its image enhancement technology when used with conventional light observation.

The combination of these two technologies in the NBI+TXI observation mode is expected to further enhance and optimize contrast information in NBI mode images, supporting more precise endoscopic examinations and treatments. TXI mode supports better visibility of potential and extant lesions, such as areas of inflammation, flat or depressed lesions, or tiny precursor lesions, by enhancing texture, brightness and color to define subtle tissue differences more clearly.

NBI mode creates strong contrast between vessels and surrounding mucosa using specific blue and green wavelengths, allowing for high-confidence optical diagnosis. This technology not only supports earlier detection of lesions but also provides more detailed, higher-contrasted visualization that can improve qualitative diagnosis.

Kurt Heine, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Gastroenterology at Olympus, emphasized the importance of early detection, stating that it improves patient care and outcomes. Olympus is committed to providing advanced endoscopic imaging that physicians need to clearly visualize the GI tract and provide timely diagnoses and treatment.

Physicians attending the Japan Digestive Disease Week (JDDW), scheduled for October 30–November 1, 2025 at the Kobe Convention Center, will have the opportunity to see the combined NBI+TXI imaging mode firsthand. For more information about Olympus and its medical technology innovations, visit https://www.olympus-global.com/.