Our Journey – History from 1945
Our Path to the Future
Even a partial list of significant inventions and innovations achieved by KARL STORZ in the past seven decades reveals an extensive and impressive chronology of success – a success story that demands to be carried into the future.
Medicine will have to face many new challenges not only in combating disease but also in terms of increasingly cost-intensive therapies. It is now more important than ever to find the right Solutions and convert these into products that meet medical interests without compromising their financial viability. KARL STORZ has proved more than once that it is in a position to meet these challenges. Medical practitioners from around the world can continue to place their trust in innovative solutions from Tuttlingen.
1945
Karl Storz establishes his company in Tuttlingen at the age of 34. The product range initially includes instruments, headlights and binocular loupes for otorhinolaryngology.
1952
Instrument set for bronchoscopy is modernized and accessories, e.g., for optical biopsies, are added. This marks the beginning of endoscopy at KARL STORZ; the first endoscopes with a traditional lens system were developed and produced by Karl Storz in the early 1950s.
1955
CLAR55 forehead lamp with 55 mm concave reflector and tungsten bulb – presented for the first time in 1955 at the ENT Congress in Constance and still the best selling model among “warm light” forehead lamps to this day.
1956
The first extracorporeal electron flash device allows endoscopic photography in unprecedented quality.
1960
The development of the cold light source marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the company and endoscopy.
1962
First flexible gastroscope "Universal" with cold-light mirror Illumination
1962
Laparoscopy starts to be used in internal medicine.
1962
A further milestone is the introduction of the HOPKINS® rod lens system.
1969
Lithotripter for shattering bladder stones.
1969
KARL STORZ presents the first resectoscopes for the transurethral treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia and bladder tumors.
1970
Ultrasonic lithotripter according to LUTZEYER for breaking up stones in urology.
1971
KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America, Inc., Los Angeles, is established.
1971
Foundation of a manufacturing company in Schaffhausen, Switzerland.
1973
The CLAR73 headlamp is introduced at the World Congress of Otorhinolaryngology in Venice, Italy.
1973
Already offering a comprehensive product range, KARL STORZ contributes to the development of diagnostic and operative gynecological endoscopy
1974
Laryngopharyngoscope according to BERCI-WARD.
1974
Beginnings of diagnostic arthroscopy
1975
Articulated telescope for image transmission from the endoscope optics to a photo, video, or TV camera as well as for the simultaneous viewing of endoscopic procedures by two people
1976
Stone punch according to MAUERMAYER for lithotripsy under visual control
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1976
KARL STORZ develops its own small and easy-to-handle endocamera with associated electronic flash.
1977
Beginnings of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (MESSERKLINGER)
1977
First high-frequency surgery unit with automatic control of coagulation and cutting current
1980
The Department of Medicine of the University of Geneva awards Karl Storz the Prix mondial Nessim Habif de chirurgie for his work and his development of diagnostic endoscopes.
1980
First stroboscopy unit "STORZ 8000" for visualizing vocal fold vibration
1980
HAMOU® Micro Contact Hysteroscope I: Thanks to its small diameter of only 5 mm, outpatient contact hysteroscopy can for the first time be performed at magnifications up to 150x.
1980
First endoscopic ureterorenoscopy (PÉREZ-CASTRO ELLENDT).
1981
Beginnings of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for endoscopic kidney stone removal using a new procedure (ALKEN).
1982
KARL STORZ fiberscopes for flexible bronchoscopy.
1983
First KARL STORZ tube camera
1983
The KARL STORZ portfolio is expanded by the first electrical shaver for arthroscopy.
1984
With up to 80x magnification, the Contact Hysteroscope II acc. to HAMOU® allows direct microscopic examination of tissue during hysteroscopy.
1985
Karl Storz is granted a honorary doctorate degree by the medical faculty of Marburg University.
1986
Electrohydraulic lithotripsy system for treating ureteral, kidney, and bladder stones.
1987
Advance of functional endoscopic sinus surgery, later abbreviated as FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery).
1987
The first laparoscopic removal of a gall bladder marks the beginning of minimally invasive surgery.
1988
Entry into the spinal endoscopy market with the set acc. to VOGL for endoscopically controlled nucleotomy.
1988
Uretero-fiberscope for minimally invasive use in the ureter.
1988
First KARL STORZ 1-chip video camera model, Endovision 534
1989
KARL STORZ Endovision (Charlton, Massachusetts) is founded.
1990
KARL STORZ Imaging is founded in Goleta, California.
1990
Our first sales subsidiary in Asia is established in Singapore.
1991
The first analog 3-chip video camera achieves previously unmatched brilliance of the endoscopic images.
1992
Launch of the first dismantling KARL STORZ TAKE-APART® hand-held instruments for laparoscopy.
1992
The newly launched KARL STORZ TELECAM features a parfocal zoom that allows selection of image detail without losing sharpness.
1993
The STEINER electromechanical morcellator revolutionizes the laparoscopic removal of benign tissue.
1994
First endoscopy-assisted middle ear surgery with KARL STORZ instruments (THOMASSIN).
1995
The company founder Karl Storz is awarded the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.
1995
In recognition of his lifetime achievements, Karl Storz receives the "Pioneer in Endoscopy Award" from the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons.
1995
Photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) and autofluorescence (AF) fundamentally improve early tumor diagnostics using optical fluorescence and marker substances in the urinary bladder and bronchi.
1996
Dr. med. h. c. Karl Storz dies at the age of 85. Company management is seamlessly transferred to his daughter, Sybill Storz.
1997
Introduction of the needle arthroscope for the diagnostics of inflammatory rheumatic diseases.
1998
First curved instruments for minimally invasive thoracoscopic procedures according to CUSCHIERI
1998
Launch of the Video Mediastinoscope according to LERUT with DCI camera system (DCI = Direct Coupled Interface).
1998
Launch of the CLICKLINE forceps generation as an advancement of the 10 mm and 5 mm TAKE-APART® hand-held instruments for laparoscopic procedures.
1998
With the GAAB ventriculoscope, KARL STORZ revolutionizes ventriculoscopy even before the new millennium.
1998
Market launch of the spinoscope with movable distal tip for endoscopic laser foraminoplasty.
1998
At the MEDICA trade fair, KARL STORZ introduces the KARL STORZ OR1™ including SCB (STORZ Communication Bus).
1999
A logistics and training center is opened in Tuttlingen.
1999
CLICKLINE instruments are now also available in the diameters 3.5 mm, 3 mm, and 2 mm, making them suitable for use in pediatric laparoscopic surgery.
1999
Swing prism for industrial endoscopy: A large field of observation can now be achieved with rigid borescopes thanks to a variable direction of view.
2000
With the first miniature endoscope specially designed for removing stones from the salivary duct, minimally invasive surgery gains a new dimension in this field as well.
2000
KARL STORZ launches the first mobile documentation system in the field of industrial endoscopy.
2001
Launch of ROBI® rotating bipolar scissors and forceps.
2001/2002
Flexible endoscope with distal chip (5 mm and 8 mm).
2002
Sybill Storz receives the "Lifetime Achievement Award" of the International Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy (ISGE).
2002
With the foundation of a sales company in South Africa, KARL STORZ now has its own subsidiary on the African continent.
2002
Macintosh intubating video laryngoscope with integrated camera technology.
2002
Launch of the BETTOCCHI® Office-Hysteroscope on the basis of a HOPKINS® rod lens telescope, with a diameter of only 2.0 mm.
2002
KARL STORZ introduces the digital camera system IMAGE1. In addition to standard-definition camera heads, pendulum and DCI camera heads are available.
2003
Introduction of video endoscopes in gastroenterology.
2003
KARL STORZ starts working on 3D technology at an early stage, resulting in the very early model TRICAM® 3D. Based on the technologies available at the time, an active 3D system with two optical paths is developed. The shutter glasses are still connected to the 3D monitor by cables.
2003
VIDEOSCOPE 2-point measuring system permits simultaneous measurement and documentation during inspections with industrial endoscopes.
2004
VIDEOSCOPE 2-point measuring system permits simultaneous measurement and documentation during inspections with industrial endoscopes.
2004
Video bronchoscopes for flexible bronchoscopy.
2004
Simulator for urological procedures and fluorescence procedures
2004
Production of the first laparoscopy set for operations on elephants.
2005
KARL STORZ celebrates its 60-year anniversary.
2005
Sybill Storz receives the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman of the Year Award.
2005
With the seal of the German Society of Surgery, Sybill Storz is honored for her achievements in medical technology.
2005
With the seal of the German Society of Surgery, Sybill Storz is honored for her achievements in medical technology.
2005
Admitted to the Legion of Honor as ‘Chevalier de la légion d’honneur’ by decree of the French President, Jacques Chirac, in Paris, France.
2005
Launch of the LED cap lamp system.
2005
The ROTOCUT G1 morcellator with its revolutionary hollow shaft motor sets new standards in ergonomics and power for laparoscopic morcellation.
2005
Pediatric system for the urological treatment of children.
2005
With the CALCULASE Desktop-Holmium-Laser, we have created an efficient and space-saving unit.
2005
Bipolar resectoscope including AUTOCON® HF unit for gynecology and urology.
2005
Bipolar resectoscope including AUTOCON® HF unit for gynecology and urology.
2006
The European Council for Women, Businesses and Commerce (Conseil Européen Femmes Entreprises et Commerce – CEFEC) in Paris awarded Sybill Storz as Businesswoman of the Year 2006.
2006
The medical faculty of the University of Tübingen bestows an honorary doctorate on Sybill Storz.
2006
The University of Dundee bestows an honorary doctorate "Doctor of Laws" on Dr. med. h. c. Sybill Storz.
2006
Launch of the GASTRO PACK® as a portable endoscopy unit for versatile and independent use.
2006
Innovative Miniature Nephroscope System acc. to NAGELE for gentle kidney stone treatment.
2006
Photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) – visualizing the invisible with continuously improved technology: 3-chip endocamera with outstanding light sensitivity and superior color contrast
2007
Official appointment as "Chevalier de la légion d’honneur" by the French president Jacques Chirac in Paris, France.
2007
Sybill Storz receives an honorary doctorate from the medical school of Timisoara, Romania.
2007
With the foundation of our own sales company in Australia, KARL STORZ now has subsidiaries on five continents.
2007
KARL STORZ becomes a partner of the technology initiative MoBiTech "Molecular Imaging – images for healthy life" funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
2007
Presentation of the ENDOCAMELEON® swing prism telescope with variable direction of view for laparoscopic procedures (10 mm).
2007
With IMAGE 1 HUB™ HD, KARL STORZ launches the first medical FULL HD camera worldwide.
2008
Launch of the C-MAC® – the 4th generation KARL STORZ video laryngoscope, now with CMOS Technology.
2008
Video bronchoscopes for flexible autofluorescence diagnostics.
2008
Presentation of the Navigation Panel Unit NPU, the portable optical navigation system for ENT surgery, at the DGHNO's 79th annual meeting in Bonn, Germany.
2009
The KARL STORZ operating room concept is awarded in the “365 Landmarks in the Land of Ideas” contest for the topic “Gentle surgery in the intelligent operating room”.
2009
ANUBIS project for NOTES procedures. Development for endoluminal and transluminal procedures.
2010
The Society for General and Visceral Surgery awards Sybill Storz its Pichlmayr Medal. The same year, Sybill Storz also recieves an honorary citizenship of Ludwig-Maximilian University in Munich.
2010
Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany presented to Dr. h. c. mult. Sybill Storz.
2010
Launch of the currently thinnest flexible uretero-renoscope with chip-on-the-tip-technology.