Olympus, a global technology leader in designing and delivering innovative solutions for medical and surgical procedures, among other core businesses, and Hitachi Healthcare Americas, a leading company in Ultrasound and CT/MRI medical imaging, announced today an agreement in the U.S. to distribute the ARIETTA 850, a premium ultrasound processor that provides endoscopists with a greater depth of information toward improved decision making, with backing by industry-leading service and support. The ARIETTA 850, the latest introduction from a continued partnership with Hitachi Healthcare Americas, features a new OLED monitor and eFocusing technology that enhance the ultrasound image, allowing for more detailed observation. It also provides an extensive variety of imaging modalities such as Real-time Tissue Elastography and Strain Histogram Measurement, enabling a comprehensive examination. "The ARIETTA 850 premium ultrasound system expands clinical utility by offering the most advanced applications, such as elastography for GI tract diseases," said John Waddell, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Hitachi Healthcare Americas. "Through our partnership with Olympus, these capabilities can support multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment to achieve better outcomes."
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) combines ultrasound technology with endoscopy to gain an internal vantage point for better visualization. While conventional endoscopy only provides a view of the innermost lining of the digestive tract, or its wall, the addition of ultrasound allows the physician to see beyond that wall to visualize all five layers of the GI tract as well as surrounding tissue and organs. EUS also provides a minimally invasive means for biopsy.
Olympus and Hitachi have successfully continued a long standing strategic alliance in endoscopic ultrasound and due to this continued partnership, the Olympus market leading ultrasound endoscopes continue to be compatible with Hitachi's sophisticated ultrasound technology. Through this new introduction, the ARIETTA 850 provides U.S. customers:
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Clinical Value: A new OLED monitor and eFocusing technology enhance the ultrasound image, allowing for more detailed observation.
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Economic Value: Forward/backward compatibility provides lower cost of ownership and more efficient use of assets while on-site support from clinical application specialists reduces training costs.
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Efficiency: Real-time Tissue Elastography and Strain Histogram Measurement enable a comprehensive examination.
"Our endoscopic capabilities are much expanded with the benefit of ultrasound, to diagnose and treat a range of conditions," said Dr. David Diehl, Geisinger Health System. "We are excited that Olympus has once again partnered with Hitachi to bring us exciting advancements in image quality and technology."
"Robust partnerships and understanding our customer needs contribute to Olympus standing at the forefront of the exciting and growing endoscopic ultrasound field," said Kurt Heine, group vice president of the endoscopy division at Olympus America Inc. "The ARIETTA 850 is the next iteration of our commitment to stay true to quality medical device innovation that drives optimal clinical outcomes, provides a lower total cost of ownership, and enhances patient satisfaction."
February 05, 2026 
