Olympus Corporation (Olympus), a global leader in medical technology dedicated to improving health, safety, and quality of life, has announced the launch of its new NBI+TXI™ observation mode, which integrates Narrow Band Imaging (NBI™) and Texture and Color Enhancement Imaging (TXI™) into a single, advanced visualization system.
Sales of the EVIS X1™ endoscopy system featuring the new mode will begin in Japan in November 2025, with launches in other regions to follow pending local regulatory approvals.
Since its debut in April 2020, the EVIS X1 platform has empowered healthcare professionals through cutting-edge imaging technologies—NBI, TXI, and RDI™ (Red Dichromatic Imaging)—facilitating more accurate observation and treatment of gastrointestinal and respiratory conditions, including cancer.
The new NBI+TXI mode enhances the system’s diagnostic precision by refining brightness correction and contrast details within NBI images. This advancement enables clearer visualization of darker regions and sharper delineation of vascular and mucosal patterns—key factors that could significantly improve the detection and diagnostic accuracy of precancerous and cancerous lesions.
According to Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (2021), colorectal cancer records the highest incidence among all cancers in the country (154,585 cases), followed by lung cancer (124,531) and stomach cancer (112,881). These cancers also account for a large share of cancer-related deaths, underscoring the need for early and accurate detection technologies.
Originally launched in 2006, NBI revolutionized endoscopic imaging by revealing structures previously difficult to visualize. The CV-1500 system now integrates the latest version of NBI—offering enhanced brightness—alongside TXI technology, which augments image clarity under conventional light. Together, in the NBI+TXI mode, they optimize contrast and detail to support more precise endoscopic assessments and interventions.
TXI mode enhances visibility of mucosal surfaces and subtle lesions—such as flat, inflamed, or early-stage precancerous areas—by improving texture, brightness, and color differentiation. This makes it easier to distinguish fine tissue variations and may lead to higher detection rates and more confident qualitative diagnoses.
Meanwhile, NBI technology uses specific blue and green wavelengths to create strong visual contrast between blood vessels and surrounding mucosa. This allows for more accurate, high-confidence optical diagnosis, aiding in earlier and more reliable lesion detection.
“We know that early detection improves patient care and outcomes,” said Kurt Heine, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Gastroenterology, Olympus. “Olympus is committed to providing the advanced endoscopic imaging physicians need to clearly visualize the GI tract and provide timely diagnoses and treatment. We're excited to expand upon the innovations of our EVIS X1 endoscopy system with this combined imaging mode capability and continue elevating the standard of care."
Attendees of the Japan Digestive Disease Week (JDDW)—scheduled from October 30 to November 1, 2025, at the Kobe Convention Center—will have the opportunity to experience the NBI+TXI combined imaging mode firsthand.
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