Unique technologies behind ultra-slim, lightweight PCF colonosopes for precise control

The PCF series is one of Olympus’s ultra-slim, lightweight colonoscopes designed for colonoscopy. Featuring a range of distinctive technologies, this series is widely adopted in Japan, with approximately 70% of endoscopists reportedly familiar with and using it (according to Olympus data).

At the Vietnam Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Conference (VGEC) 2026, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thai Doan Ky delivered a special presentation at the Olympus booth, highlighting the key technological advantages of this scope line.

Passive Bending (PB)

The passive bending mechanism allows the insertion tube to automatically flex when encountering resistance. The longer passive bending section (compared with conventional CF colonoscopes) enables smoother navigation through angulated segments, particularly the sigmoid colon, reducing pressure on the mucosa and lowering the risk of loop formation.

High Force Transmission (HFT)

This technology ensures efficient transmission of torque and pushing force from the control handle to the distal tip with a precise 1:1 response, minimizing force loss when passing through angulated or looped segments. Movements become smoother and more consistent, allowing the endoscopist to steer the tip accurately without repeated adjustments.
In clinical practice, precise force transmission is especially valuable for lesion targeting, accessing difficult angles, and coordinating with therapeutic devices.

Variable Stiffness (VS)

The adjustable stiffness function enables the endoscopist to modify the rigidity of the insertion tube according to patient anatomy, improving adaptability across different colonic segments. Increased stiffness facilitates stable insertion and better force transmission, while greater flexibility in complex areas allows the scope to follow the բնական anatomy, minimizing angulation and loop formation.

This enhanced control over scope advancement reduces patient discomfort and can shorten procedure time in challenging colonoscopies.

Shorter Bending Section (Distal Tip)

The PCF series features a shorter distal bending section compared with standard colonoscopes, improving maneuverability in confined spaces—especially in the sigmoid colon—and enhancing retroflexion capability. This design optimizes access to difficult-to-visualize mucosal areas and reduces the likelihood of missed lesions.

3.2 mm Instrument Channel

A 3.2 mm working channel provides stability during therapeutic interventions and supports a wide range of devices, optimizing procedures such as EMR (Endoscopic Mucosal Resection), ESD (Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection), and hemostasis, thereby improving treatment efficiency.

170° Field of View (FOV)

The wide 170-degree field of view (comparable to CF series scopes) significantly expands the observable area during insertion, helping reduce blind spots behind mucosal folds. Combined with HDTV imaging and Narrow Band Imaging (NBI), it enhances visualization of mucosal surfaces and microvascular patterns, enabling early detection and accurate assessment of even subtle lesions.