Fujifilm Medical Systems USA now has a three-year, sole-source relationship with Gastrologix to make available its entire endoscopy product portfolio through the group purchasing organization (GPO).

Gastrologix is the only U.S. GPO that works only with independent gastroenterology physician groups, the companies said in a joint statement.

“We appreciate the confidence Gastrologix has instilled in Fujifilm by selecting us as their exclusive vendor of choice for endoscopic imaging solutions,” said Fujifilm Medical U.S.A. Chief Operating Officer Johann Fernando, adding that the deal will allow its ELUXEO and our 700 Series Endoscopes to get “into the hands of even more healthcare providers.”

Gastrologix helps gastroenterology practices stay independent by keeping costs down and boosting efficiencies.

“At Gastrologix, we strive to increase efficiencies by providing our members the best value proposition for equipment, supplies and services,” said Steve Somers, principal of Gastrologix. “After an exhaustive due diligence process, we determined Fujifilm’s endoscopic imaging solutions represent top value in both performance and price.”

He called Fujifilm “the obvious choice for physician groups purchasing new equipment for their ASCs [ambulatory surgery centers].”

The deal includes Fujifilm's entire endoscopy portfolio, including the ELUXEO Endoscopic Visualization System and 700 Series Endoscopes. It also includes the companies pulmonary imaging gear, including its 530 Series Bronchoscopes and ultrasonic video endoscopes and bronchoscopes, as well as its Double Balloon Endoscopy System.

Fujifilm made news earlier in February when it announced the unveiling of the latest version of its Synapse 3D system at the 2019 Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society’s (HIMSS) Global Conference and Exhibition.

Five new applications have been added to its advanced visualization software, including breast analyzer MR, delayed enhancement MR, intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MR, endoscopic simulator, and prostate viewer MR.

“The new features foster increased confidence in image assessment by offering tools that supplement complex imaging decisions. It offers providers intuitive, logical workflows that guide them to efficient and accurate results that can lead to improved patient outcomes," Bill Lacy, vice president, Medical Informatics, Fujifilm Medical USA, told HCB News at the time. "Each improvement and new 3D application extends how Synapse 3D validates results.”

In November, 2018, the company added new digital radiography detectors to its portfolio.

The 17” x 17” CALNEO Dual is a standard cassette-sized detector that can produce traditional, soft tissue-only and bone-only images with one single exposure. These different types can be used to visualize or track lung cancer nodules.

“Traditionally, dual energy’s attraction is usually only available as a built-in detector. You buy an X-ray room and it’s usually the high-end X-ray room," Robert Fabrizio, director of strategic marketing for digital X-ray and women’s health, told HCB News at the time. "This is a portable detector that can be retrofitted into any system. In addition, traditional energy’s attraction has two exposures so it does two-exposure rapidly. But in those two exposures, you have motion like the heart beat and lung breathing. With this being one exposure, there’s less chance for motion. It basically eliminates motion artifacts.”

The FDR ES detector is a next-generation X-ray room retrofit solution equipped with Fujifilm’s high-sensitivity detector technologies, as well as the latest refinements in image processing. A light and portable solution, the detectors are designed with simplified integration, providing a more affordable DR retrofit while still maintaining dose, workflow and image quality performance.

“It’s a more cost-effective detector designed for retrofitting rooms, whereas premium detectors are built with high durability, water-proofness and extra capabilities that you really need for mobile imaging but not necessarily in a room," said Fabrizio. "So with the ES detector, you’re not sacrificing all the image quality and detector efficiencies that we normally provide in the high-end detector. You’re able to retrofit a room at a more economical cost.”