Karl Storz is First Endoscopy Company to Offer Video Podcasts of Minimally Invasive Surgeries; Patients and Surgeons Can Access and Download Collection of Advanced Surgeries from iTunes.

CULVER CITY, Calif. -- Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc., a world leader in endoscopy and solutions for integrated operating rooms, announces that it is the first endoscopy company to offer downloadable podcasts of actual surgeries performed at leading medical centers around the world. Available as of March 10, 2006, through www.iTunes.com and www.karlstorznetwork1.com, the series of podcasts represent a novel yet effective tool for teaching the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques. It also supports patients' efforts to become more familiar with less-invasive procedures they may be considering.

"This is another educational milestone for Karl Storz Endoscopy," says Eugene Lucas, Marketing Manager, Laparoscopy. "What began as a series of live Webcasts through our Network 1 program has gained greater convenience and portability with the introduction of these podcasts."

Three surgeries will be available in the first series of podcasts: a pediatric laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, a pediatric video-assisted thoracoscopy lung resection, and a pull-through procedure for a high imperforate anus. Each of the procedures was performed by Steven Rothenberg, M.D., Chief of Pediatric Surgery at The Mother and Child Hospital at Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center in Denver. Dr. Rothenberg is also an Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Colorado.

This year, KARL STORZ will feature Network 1 Webcasts and downloadable podcasts of minimally invasive procedures in the following surgical disciplines: Bariatrics, Pediatrics, Urology, Gynecology, Colorectal, and Neurosurgery.

"The incredibly rapid expansion of surgical knowledge, and the more active involvement of patients in their own course of treatment has sparked new perspectives on the exchange of information," Lucas says. "Through our successful Network 1 and now through these podcasts, surgeons gain a much better understanding of the rapid advances occurring in minimally invasive surgery.

"These podcast presentations also represent a new information resource for medical educators who are struggling to comply with the new 80-hour-per-week cap on residents' work schedules," Lucas adds. "They offer levels of convenience and accessibility that are well suited to residents with capped schedules or limited access to traditional surgical training."

What Are Podcasts?

Podcasting, a term combining iPod and broadcasting, describes the Web-based distribution of audio and video files for listening and viewing on a mobile device, such as an iPod or personal computer. Podcast files require use of an RSS feed or similar application and can be made available either as free downloads or on a subscription basis. Apple launched iTunes last year to provide a directory of podcasts and downloadable content.

Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc. is an affiliate of Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG, an international leader for over 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.