Medical-device maker Vision-Sciences Inc said the US Food and Drug Administration granted marketing approval for its video-based flexible endoscopes.

The company also said it completed tests for its videoscope EndoSheath technology, which proved that its EndoSheath barrier is effective to microorganisms as small as 27 nanometers -- the FDA's benchmark for barriers.

Shares of the company were up more than 37 per cent at $2.54 in midday trade on the Nasdaq. Earlier, they shot up to a new year-high of $3.79.

The approved digital endoscopes come with an integrated built-in light source, which eliminates the need for a separate camera head, light cable and optical coupler, the company said in a statement.

The company said its ear, nose and throat and transnasal esophagoscopy scopes are the first two in the series of digital endoscopy platforms to be introduced by it.

The company said its EndoSheath technology isolates the endoscope from the patient and eliminates the need for high-level disinfection between procedures, reducing exposure to toxic chemicals and lowering repair and maintenance costs.