Soon Chun Hyang University Hospital Bucheon becomes 1st in Korea to adopt Olympus' next-gen EUS processor EU-ME3

Soon Chun Hyang University Hospital Bucheon has become the first medical institution in Korea to adopt Olympus Korea’s newly launched endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) processor, EU-ME3, the company announced on Wednesday.

Olympus Korea said the installation marks the first clinical application of the EU-ME3 system in Korea, following its official release in Korea in June. The advanced processor is expected to significantly enhance diagnostic precision and treatment capabilities for pancreatic and biliary diseases at Soon Chun Hyang University Hospital Bucheon.

Located in Bucheon, 25 km west of Seoul, Soon Chun Hyang University Hospital Bucheon operates 37 departments and multiple specialty centers. The tertiary hospital has continued to invest in cutting-edge medical technologies and research to strengthen its patient-centered care system.

The EU-ME3 is an advanced processor designed for use in endoscopic ultrasonography, a diagnostic technique that allows high-resolution imaging of deep-seated organs such as the pancreas, bile ducts, and gallbladder.

By generating ultrasound from within the body through an endoscope, the system minimizes external interference and delivers clearer images. The device also supports real-time tissue and cell sampling, facilitating accurate and safe diagnoses.

Key new features of the EU-ME3 include Shear Wave Quantification (SWQ), which quantifies tissue stiffness to help determine the severity of pancreatitis or malignancy in pancreatic tumors. The i-ELST function stabilizes elastographic images by compensating for internal motion, such as heartbeat-induced movement. The s-FOCUS mode automatically maintains uniform image quality across different distances without manual focus adjustments.

Image quality has also been substantially upgraded compared to the previous model, EU-ME2. The B-mode resolution has been significantly improved, while Tissue Harmonic Echo (THE), which utilizes harmonic frequencies for enhanced imaging, has also been refined.

Contrast Harmonic Echo (CHE) mode simultaneously visualizes contrast agent signals and tissue responses, allowing for more precise differentiation between lesions and surrounding structures.

In terms of usability, the EU-ME3 features a redesigned keyboard layout with LED backlighting and a touch-enabled LCD panel, improving both user convenience and efficiency during procedures. Enhanced hygiene and easier cleaning have also been incorporated into the system design.

The processor supports both electronic and mechanical scanning technologies, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of EUS scopes and miniature probes. A suite of optional software packages enables users to customize the system based on clinical needs, expanding its utility from diagnosis to therapeutic interventions.

“Olympus Korea remains committed to advancing diagnostic solutions that improve clinical outcomes and patient care,” Olympus Korea Managing Director Takeshi Tamai said. “The EU-ME3 represents a new milestone in EUS technology and will support more accurate diagnoses and better treatment decisions in Korea’s medical field.”

Soon Chun Hyang University Hospital Bucheon President Moon Jong-ho also said, “For pancreatic and biliary diseases, early detection is critical. High-resolution and precise imaging plays a central role in planning effective treatments.”

The adoption of EU-ME3 is expected to significantly strengthen the hospital’s diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities, and it will continue to invest in innovative technologies to provide the best care possible to its patients, Moon added.