KARL STORZ Expands Value Proposition and Standardization with Addition of New DCI(TM) - D1(TM) Camera Heads to Its Image 1(R) Video Platform.

CULVER CITY, Calif. -- Easy-to-Use, Ergonomically Superior, All-Digital Cameras Offer Key Advantages for Anesthesiology, Thoracoscopy and Other Specialties

Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc., a global leader in endoscopy and medical video imaging systems, has launched its latest addition to the Image 1(R) camera platform for endoscopic surgery. The new, fully digital DCI(TM) - D1(TM) (Direct Coupled Interface) Camera Head offers a unique, compact design within the Image 1(R) platform, and therefore facilitates standardization throughout the operating room. It can be directly coupled securely to existing KARL STORZ DCI(TM) Video Intubation Systems and Video Macintosh blades for Anesthesia, as well as Lerut Video Mediastinoscopes in Thoracoscopy. Other DCI(TM) rigid telescopes are also available for other specialties. The DCI(TM) - D1(TM) Camera Head can be fitted to most standard-eyepiece telescopes by using convenient adapters.

The DCI(TM) - D1(TM) Camera Head provides several key advantages during endoscopy procedures, including its revolutionary DCI(TM) coupling mechanism that allows easy assembly and enhanced interchangeability of endoscopes within the sterile field. In anesthesiology and thoracoscopy applications, the camera head allows for more effective and efficient teaching and documentation of intubation and mediastinoscopy procedures, and it enables a primary physician to work with an assistant in a coordinated fashion.

"The DCI(TM) - D1(TM) Camera Head is designed for complete compatibility with all Image 1(R) camera control units (CCUs), giving customers ready access to 'any camera head, any time'. This new version replaces our previous analog Telecam(R) version, delivering exceptional digital image quality, ease of use, and beneficial features for surgeons," said Jacqueline Benz, R.N., KARL STORZ Product Marketing Manager, Video Imaging. "Images are brighter and crisper. Excellent detail of magnified anatomy facilitates identification of critical landmarks." In addition, reprogrammable easy-access buttons on the camera head provide intuitive sterile field access to all camera functions. This configuration of programmable function buttons is identical to that of all other Image 1(R) camera heads, virtually eliminating the learning curve associated with new products.

The DCI(TM) - D1(TM) Camera Head combines unique optical telescope and camera designs, including a latching mechanism that allows telescopes to be changed quickly with a simple snap-on/snap-off exchange. This direct-coupled mechanism ensures a secure attachment, with no possibility of loose-fitting eyepieces or optical fogging. In addition, the light cable is attached at the rear of the camera, rather than on the telescope. The result is a small, in-line ergonomic design that fits the physician's hand well and is comfortably balanced for one-handed operation. And because the light cable comes off the back of the camera, it remains out of the operative field, facilitating improved instrument introduction in tight working spaces.

The DCI(TM) - D1(TM) camera head is an important addition to the Image 1(R) platform, and represents part of a principle KARL STORZ program for protecting its customers from product obsolescence. "KARL STORZ is committed to offering our customers continued long-term value and performance enhancement with high-technology products," Benz said, "ensuring that our latest product introductions remain fully compatible with those our customers have come to rely on. This supports our commitment to customers through standardization with one company while remaining current with new technologies."

Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc. is an affiliate of Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG, an international leader for almost 60 years in reusable endoscope technology, encompassing all endoscopic specialties. Based in Tuttlingen, Germany, Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG is a family-owned company that designs, engineers, manufactures and markets all its products with an emphasis on visionary design, precision craftsmanship and clinical effectiveness. For more information, call 800-421-0837 or visit the company's Web site at www.karlstorz.com.