Karl Storz - Audio and Video Endoscopic Technology

Modern endoscopy has revolutionised medical diagnostics and surgical technique, and the name of KARL STORZ is closely associated with this development. By introducing the cold-light projector and the HOPKINS® rod-lens telescope in the 1960s, KARL STORZ took endoscopy to an entirely new level. The transmission of large quantities of light into the body and the reception of high-quality images from the body created the foundation for the enormous boom in endoscopy over the following years.

Further pioneering developments by KARL STORZ include:

• Ultrasonic lithotripters for crushing stones in the urinary system
• Automatically-controlled RF surgical units - AUTOCON®
• Miniature endoscope series

ENDOSCOPIC EQUIPMENT FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY

Over the past years, minimally invasive surgery has been the primary challenge for the company’s creativity. This technique, which has been well received by the public, is essentially characterized by its use of extremely small (minimally invasive) approaches.

The wound caused by opening an approach to the specific focal diseased site in minimally invasive surgery is very minor compared to open surgery. However, the endeavour to perform surgical procedures originally designed for open surgery under the conditions of a small endoscopic approach has made completely new demands on the instrument set used.

The video and audio-based endoscopic solutions that KARL STORZ has been able to offer to these challenges have once again proven that the Tuttlingen-based company is, as always, one of the decisive trendsetters in endoscopic achievement.

ENDOSCOPIC VIDEO TECHNOLOGY

In the field of video technology, which is so important today, KARL STORZ continues to produce groundbreaking developments. The increasing complexity of interventions makes it necessary to allow simultaneous observation and documentation, which can only be realised by applying high-quality video technology to endoscopy. The introduction of the first endoscopic three-chip camera or the digital Image-Processing Module (IPM) were vital steps towards an image quality that meets the extreme requirements of medical diagnostics.

Now KARL STORZ has introduced the Endovision TRICAM® 3D, a three-dimensional endoscopic video system that dispenses with the usual heavy headsets, thus permitting much more convenient access to 3D technology.

Another recent development is IMAGE1™, the digital camera platform with which the optical image is converted into digital signals immediately after the image chip. This means that a complete digital video chain can be created – from image acquisition through to image storage – which brings the benefit of uniform, uncompromised image quality and straightforward, convenient further processing.

TOUCH OR VOICE-SENSITIVE SURGICAL AND PERIPHERAL DEVICES

Another key area of current development work is the complete OR solution, OR1™, a unique concept for the integration of various techniques in the operating room. At the heart of OR1™ is the concept of direct central control of all surgical and peripheral devices via touch-screen or speech-control from within the sterile area.

In this way, operating procedures are accelerated both before, during and after the intervention, and the risk of incorrect operation is reduced. An integrated digital recording system makes it easier to archive image, video and audio data from important operative procedures and results, both for patient documentation and scientific evaluations. Connection to the HIS and PACS optimizes swift access to patient and image data.

TELEMEDICINE APPLICATIONS FOR TRAINING

Telemedicine applications such as video conferences and live interventions for training and teaching purposes can be conveniently controlled – straight from the operating field – by using state-of-the-art audio and video technology. Getting a second opinion via the virtual presence of an expert becomes child's play. The modular design of the system makes it possible to progressively integrate central control, image acquisition and archiving as well as telemedicine into your existing operating room.