Since its beginnings in 1945, the KARL STORZ family company has grown into a global manufacturer and distributor of endoscopes, medical instruments, and devices. Our range of endoscopic instruments for human medicine, veterinary medicine, and industrial endoscopy now includes more than 15,000 products. The most recent KARL STORZ developments are in digital documentation systems and comprehensive operating room concepts. As a system supplier, the company combines its expertise in endoscopy with software solutions to achieve integration in the operating room and to support clinical process and resource management.
Urology
For all urological procedures, KARL STORZ offers complete solutions that combine sophisticated telescopes and instruments with perfectly compatible innovative and safe devices.
This includes HF surgery devices, devices for laser surgery, lithotripsy devices for destroying stones in the bladder, ureter, and kidney, rigid and flexible telescopes for procedures in the ureter, as well as instruments for gentle kidney stone removal and photodynamic diagnostics (PDD).
Gynecology
Many gynecological procedures today can be performed using laparoscopic surgical techniques. Our product range is constantly being expanded not only to include morcellation systems or uterine manipulators for standard procedures such as myoma enucleation or supracervical hysterectomies (LASH) but also to offer instruments for niches such as the creation of laparoscopic-assisted neovagina.
Anesthesiology & Emergency Medicine
KARL STORZ has made significant contributions to the field of airway management in intensive and emergency medicine in recent years and decades. Particularly for dealing with the complex area of the unexpected difficult airway, KARL STORZ offers a whole range of instruments that can help to minimize the occurrence of complications related to difficult airway management, while at the same time affording optimal viewing conditions.
Telepresence
KARL STORZ is modular in design and can, therefore, be optimally adapted to suit various requirements. This modular design principle makes it easier to expand the system and guarantees a high degree of future-proofing. Various IMAGE1 S™-Technologies enable surgeons to modify the endoscopic image through homogeneous illumination or by increasing the dynamic contrast. In addition, color hue shifting makes it easier to differentiate between tissue types.
Gastroenterology
The range of products available for gastroenterology combines groundbreaking and innovative technologies on the basis of experience from numerous specialties to ensure precise, safe, and easy clinical application.The SILVER SCOPE® Series in particular combines advanced technology, ergonomics, and durability to create a video endoscope that sets new standards. The control unit’s elegant design supports the instrument’s high tech character.
Skull Base Surgery
The use of an endoscope in transnasal skull base surgery offers distinct advantages. These include a wider field of vision and significantly improved light intensity which provide a clear visualization of deep-lying structures. Moreover, HOPKINS® rod lens telescopes with an angled direction of view (e.g., 30°, 45°) offer the possibility of a direct view of otherwise invisible areas, thus allowing a safe surgical procedure under visual control. The introduction of high resolution HD and 4K video technologies and, more recently, 3D endoscopy has played a significant role in providing the excellent image quality that is a standard feature today.
Solutions For Dysphagia (FEES)
Lightweight, versatile, mobile – ideal for rapid use. The new 2.9 mm CMOS video rhino-laryngoscope further expands the existing CMOS product line. The 2.9 mm video rhino-laryngoscope is particularly suitable for cramped or tight anatomical conditions. Combined with the light and mobile universal monitor, the product offers a fast and convenient solution for performing FEES.
Solutions For Frontal Sinus Surgery
The endonasal approach to the frontal sinuses requires sound anatomical knowledge and a high level of surgical skills and dexterity. Having the appropriate endoscopes and the right instruments are therefore of utmost importance. The 45° endoscopes allow for an excellent view into the frontal recess while a straight forward view is still possible. The special instruments developed for frontal sinus surgery take these anatomic conditions into account.
Surgical Interventions in the Middle Ear
Enhanced visualization technologies in combination with the outstanding optical properties of the endoscope as well as special instruments offer new perspectives and possibilities in middle ear surgery. The following instrument set has been specially designed in order to fulfill the requirements of endoscopic ear surgery.
OR1™-Intelligent Operating Room
With the integrated operating room OR1™, KARL STORZ in the late 1990s developed a solution to this problem that has defined the state of the art ever since. Efficient and intuitive operation, simple data recording and documentation, and unhindered data exchange within and outside of the OR represent the "magic triangle" that redefines ergonomics.The entire surgical environment – endoscopic devices, video and data sources, and peripheral devices such as the surgical table or ceiling lights – is strictly tailored to the user and can be controlled from a central location within the sterile area. Teleconferences, telesurgery, and teaching events can be easily conducted thanks to audiovisual networking and integration of the OR into existing hospital information systems. The OR1™ can produce unforeseen synergistic effects in the operating room and hence distinctly improve hospital efficiency.
Pediatrics
Children’s special anatomic and pathological characteristics require instruments that are appropriately adapted to them in every respect – because children are more than just little adults. In close collaboration with leading physicians worldwide, KARL STORZ has developed a special product range for this patient group, with products that are perfectly tailored to the needs of the youngest patients.
By doing so, KARL STORZ is setting new standards in pediatrics, involving the fields of neuroendoscopy, ENT, anesthesia and emergency medicine, thoracic surgery / bronchoscopy, gastroenterology, laparoscopy, urology, and proctology. For patients, smaller diameters mean less scar formation and less postoperative pain. For users, shorter instruments and greater stability ensure safety and ergonomics. As a result, both surgeons and patients benefit from our special pediatric portfolio.
Oral and Maxilofacial Surgery
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is a new field in which endoscopy has become established and is rapidly growing in importance. The instruments developed by KARL STORZ are used in a wide range of endoscopic, minimally invasive operations. Sialendoscopy is a minimally invasive technique that allows establishment of a solid diagnosis of most pathologies. Endoscopic treatment of sialolithiasis with stone baskets, micro burrs and auxiliary instruments offers a minimally invasive alternative to open salivary gland surgery.
Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine
Hip
As a pioneer in hip arthroscopy, we deliver the first aimer offering horizontal triangulation. In addition to standard vertical triangulation, this allows faster and more precise portal placement. The hip arthroscopy portfolio from KARL STORZ has been expanded to include optimized instruments for atraumatic and precise work.
Knee
Products and techniques that set a new standard in established arthroscopic knee surgery were successfully developed in collaboration with well-known orthopedic specialists and trauma surgeons. The versatile product range for anatomically correct reconstruction of the cruciate ligaments includes instruments for both the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments.
Small Joints
The VITOM® 3D system provides many surgical disciplines with a revolutionary solution for the visualization of microsurgical and open surgical interventions. Application possibilities are similar to that of the operating microscope. The most important functions are controlled via the IMAGE1 PILOT, which is mounted on the OR table in the direct vicinity of the surgeon.
Service
KARL STORZ offers a full service that meets the highest quality standards and allows our customers to focus on what matters most: The well-being of their patients. Our products should be precise and enjoyable to use at all times and we would like our customers to be able to fully rely on the usual top quality of KARL STORZ. To this end, we have developed a comprehensive, innovative, and flexible service program to perfectly complement our products that is customized to meet individual customer needs:
ENDOPROTECT1.
Proctology
Rectoscopy and proctoscopy are established methods for diagnosing and treating rectal disease. The combination with video endoscopic technologies permits extraordinarily good visualization as well as clear documentation of findings and extends the range of indications to complex minimally invasive procedures such as transanal rectal surgery.
Spine Surgery
The product range comprises of dedicated, access-optimized telescopes and instruments for fully endoscopic procedures such as percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy, percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy and thoracoscopy. Furthermore, KARL STORZ offers instrument sets for endoscopically assisted, microsurgical and open procedures in spinal surgery. A high-speed motor system with a wide range of drill handpieces complements the portfolio.
Thorax
The range of products available from KARL STORZ for thoracic endoscopy comprises endoscopes and instruments for endoscopic or endoscopically assisted thoracic surgery, medical thoracoscopy, mediastinoscopy as well as rigid and flexible bronchoscopy, including procedures performed with fluorescence imaging.
Microscopy
The excellent image quality of KARL STORZ camera systems is an advantage when combined with endoscopes as well as with surgical microscopes and colposcopes. Rather than being accessible only to the surgeon, the image can then be transmitted to a monitor to display it for assistants, surgical staff, and students as well. For instance, images can be transmitted to lecture rooms or be easily and quickly documented.