Karl Storz Tricam 3D Imaging System Unwrapped with the First Live 3D Telesurgery in U.S. at the 2003 Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons - SLS.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

CULVER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 24, 2003

Now 3D Technology Provides Crisp, Clear Imaging

with Increased Depth Perception

Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc., a leader in medical video imaging, launched its Tricam(R) 3D Imaging System during a live telesurgery transmission to the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons (SLS) 12th International Congress and Endo Expo 2003, September 22-25th in Las Vegas. The first ever U.S. live 3D Telesurgery transmission originated from Northside Hospital in Atlanta, GA, and was carried via fiber-optic network to an estimated 600 leading endoscopic surgeons attending the SLS Plenary Session at the Las Vegas Paris Hotel on September 24.

"The transmission originated from an OR1(R) surgical suite installed September 2, 2003, at the hospital," says Bob Quattrochi, President of Northside Hospital. "Two of 11 OR1(R) suites that were recently purchased have been installed at Northside in keeping with our vision of providing our patients with state-of-the-art endosurgical technology."

This new Karl Storz video imaging system uses a single camera to provide a three-dimensional sense of depth, making it easier to maneuver instruments in minimally invasive surgical procedures requiring more detailed, precise techniques of reconstruction and suturing. This system is designed for use in all specialties, including gastrointestinal, general surgery, gynecology, and urology. The Tricam(R) 3D Imaging System facilitates these complex surgical maneuvers by delivering superb spatial resolution with no sacrifice in image quality. A single, stereo optical channel, with single image processing, eliminates "binocular" rivalry and eyestrain while maintaining uniform brightness and resolution. The surgeon views crisp, clear images through a pair of lightweight polarizing glasses, thus eliminating the use of heavy headsets and goggles.

"Clinicians gain several key benefits when using the Tricam(R) system," says Dr. Ceana Nezhat, of Northside Hospital. "I've found that the 3D images facilitate suturing by optimizing eye and hand coordination during procedures. And the level of depth perception achieved with the system allows delicate anatomical structures to be targeted more accurately. The small size and light weight of the polarizing glasses makes them more comfortable to wear."

The new system significantly expands the capabilities of surgeons performing minimally invasive procedures. "Now surgeons can have all the classic advantages of the integrated Tricam(R) optical zoom camera systems, plus 3D imaging," commented Jacqueline Benz, R.N. Product Marketing Manager, Karl Storz. She added, "Interchangeable 2D and 3D camera heads and telescopes keep costs down and offer flexible convenience in the OR. Because the Tricam(R) 3D Imaging System is fully compatible with existing Karl Storz Tricam(R) SL-IPM CCUs, there's no need to buy a new control unit."

How Karl Storz 3D technology benefits minimally invasive surgery 

The Karl Storz 3D system increases the benefits of 3 dimensional imaging in endoscopy, where surgeons previously had to learn to work in the 2D world. 3D provides potential for increased surgical accuracy while suturing and cutting, and more importantly, identifying and locating vital anatomical structures. These benefits could also mean improvement in safety, precision, and speed of procedures, decrease the learning curve, and provide a valuable teaching/learning tool.

The system includes a single-channel, stereo telescope, which transmits images to the camera head. The camera shutters rapidly between the right eye and left eye and sends the 3D image to the monitor. To view the 3D image, the surgeon need only wear a pair of special polarizing glasses, similar to sunglasses. Competitor systems use either a bulky headset, or 2 cameras linked together to get the 3D image, and a two-channel telescope. These systems can prove to be much more costly. The Karl Storz single-channel telescope also minimizes any "binocular" rivalry, which can cause eyestrain and headaches for the surgeon.

The Karl Storz system, using 3D visualization, focuses on the surgeon or hospital desiring advanced technology to assist in the learning curve or advance surgical outcomes.

Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc. is an affiliate of Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG, an international leader for more than 50 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 [phone] or visit the company's website at www.karlstorz.com.

The Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons (SLS) is an educational, non-profit organization established to help ensure the highest standards for the practice of laparoscopic, endoscopic and minimally invasive surgery. SLS offers a unique, multi-disciplinary approach to the study and education of minimally invasive surgery by bringing together different medical specialties that uses the techniques and tools of minimally invasive surgery.

SLS has over 6,000 active members from around the world. Publications include JSLS, Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, a quarterly peer-reviewed interdisciplinary journal; and Laparoscopy, a semiannual publication with information on advancements, new developments and surgical techniques. For more information, visit www.sls.org or www.laparoscopy.org.