Tägerwilen/Switzerland, 14 March 2011. – STORZ MEDICAL’s new MODULITH^® SLK »inline« has received a red dot award for product design. Only products that clearly stand out from comparable products due to their exceptional design receive the prestigious international award. The new lithotripter was designed by STORZ MEDICAL’s »design center« in Tägerwilen/Lake Constance in close cooperation with the innovation firm »frog design«. The world premiere of the MODULITH^® SLK »inline« will be at the 26th Annual EAU Congress in Vienna, Austria (18 – 22 March 2011).

The new MODULITH^® SLK »inline«

Successful design must embody the right balance of future, tradition and persistence. After all, it must appeal to the subjective expectations and attitudes to work of not only regular customers but also of prospective customers. These design principles apply precisely to the new STORZ MEDICAL lithotripter. Outstanding innovations such as in-line localization, intuitive touch control, over- and under-table treatment and versatile usage in SWL and endourology are combined with proven and thus familiar design elements. Nevertheless, in the new MODULITH^® SLK »inline« we still retain, for example, our cylindrical coil system, dual imaging or the modular set-up of the system.

A focus on the customer

A modern lithotripter design requires the creativity of engineers and designers, but also an understanding of the wishes, expectations and daily needs of the customers. Persistent work, continuous involvement of clinical partners and experience are essential ingredients – in addition to ingenious inspiration. The custom-made design of each and every detail of the new MODULITH^® SLK »inline«, from the shape of its body, to each simple switch was checked, gauged against our traditional design, and appropriately adapted, over and over again, first on computer, and then later with prototypes. Functionality, materials and feel were developed parallel to and in ongoing interaction with the form of this innovative system.

Without this approach, apart from the moment of novelty offered by the MODULITH^® SLK »inline«, this new lithotripter generation would not be successful in reflecting our STORZ MEDICAL brand tradition and our requirements.