News

A further milestone was reached on Monday. The ground-breaking ceremony and thus the start of construction of the new company building of STORZ MEDICAL Deutschland GmbH took place on 3rd August. In times of the corona crisis but in a modest setting and with only two protagonists. So architect and site manager, symbolically grabbed the shovel while the excavator waited in the background.

Sporting events across the globe have been suspended due to COVID-19 and the Olympic Games in Tokyo have been moved to next year. To shorten the waiting time a little, we report in this issue about two professional sports teams from the hosting country. Read on for an insight into the world of professional sports in Japan as seen through the eyes of three trainers: two from basketball team ALVARK TOKYO and one from football team Júbilo IWATA. All of them are licensed judo therapists, a qualification based on a special Japanese osteopathy tradition known as »hone-tsugi« (»bone-setter«).

Throughout the world, more and more specialised medical centres are using Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS^®) with the NEUROLITH^® system for the treatment of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. In June 2020, another NEUROLITH^® system was installed successfully at the private hospital »Rudolfinerhaus Privatklinik« in Vienna, Austria, where it will be used under the medical direction of Dr Matthias Geisler. On-site training of the hospital’s treatment team was carried out by Dr Henning Lohse-Busch (Rheintalklinik, Bad Krozingen, Germany) who also played a decisive role in the development of TPS^®.

My practice started using the V-ACTOR^® handpiece in 2012, adding vibration therapy to the focused and radial shock wave therapies that we offer. Vibration therapy is the final stage that I apply when treating myofascial issues, lymphoedema and cellulite with radial shock waves.

STORZ MEDICAL has received approval for the compact device MASTERPULS^® ONE in Japan – one of the biggest growth markets for shock/pressure wave therapy. The radial pressure wave system focuses on the entry-level price segment (orthopaedics/physical therapy) and complements the DUOLITH^® SD1 »ultra« and the MASTERPULS^® MP100 »ultra«, which have been successful in Japan for years. Its launch will enable STORZ MEDICAL to further expand its leading market position in Japan.

In our next ESWT live webinar Physiotherapist Michael Strøm will talk about »Combined Therapy R-SW & F-SW with EMTT^®«.

After the past few extraordinary weeks and months, we are already looking forward to the fact that the world of sports regained strength. To shorten the waiting time a little, we report in this newsletter issue about Michael Strøm, sports therapist and head of medical department of Copenhagen Basketball team. Thank you for this look inside, Michael!

In our third live webinar about extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) Dr Ranan DasGupta and Dr Milad Hanna talk about »Achieving Excellence in SWL: How Far Can We Go?«.

In our next ESWT live webinar Silvia Ramón Rona MD, PhD will talk about »Shock Wave Treatment for Spasticity«.

In our next ESWT live webinar Physiotherapist Benoy Mathew will talk about »5 Running Injuries that Benefit from Shock Wave Therapy«.

In our next ESWT live webinar »ESWT and Sonography – Why a Correct Diagnose is Crucial« Jens Lundgren, Doctor of Naprapathy, will talk about the combination of ultrasound imaging and shock wave treatment.

In our second live webinar about extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) Dr Susanne Osther talks about »SWL in Children«.

In our first live webinar about extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) Prof. Dr Palle Osther talks about »SWL in the Era of Endourology«.

In our next ESWT Live Webinar »Current Evidence of Conservative Therapy in Achilles Tendinopathy« Dr Martin Ringeisen highlights the application of shock wave therapy for »Achilles Tendinopathy«.

In December 2019, the first study¹ on Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS^®) with STORZ MEDICAL’s NEUROLITH^® system was published in the prestigious journal Advanced Science. In the study, Beisteiner et al. evaluate the TPS^® method and present treatment results. The presented data shows that it is possible to improve brain performance with TPS^® and that there is a long-term effect.

In our next ESWT Live Webinar »ESWT – Success in Your Private Practice« Paul Hobrough will discuss how to implement shock wave therapy for the best clinical results as well as business success.

Here is the recording of our sixth STORZ MEDICAL live webinar »ESWT in Sports: Patellar Tendinopathy« with Prof. Dr Carlos Leal MD on 19th May 2020.

STORZ MEDICAL has received the CE approval for the MODULITH^® SLC. The areas of application of this innovative shock wave system are ischaemic heart failure, coronary heart disease, and angina pectoris.

Being designed for penetration depths of between 0 and 150 mm, the MODULITH^® SLC is well prepared to master any challenge in daily clinical practice, reaching target areas from the apex to the posterior wall of the myocardium. The proven shock wave technology developed by STORZ MEDICAL makes use of a cylindrical coil in combination with a parabolic reflector for focusing. The coil and reflector are perfectly adapted to the specific medical requirements. The long-life cylindrical coil lasts for several hundred treatments.

In our sixth ESWT Live Webinar »ESWT in Sports: Patellar Tendinopathy« Prof. Dr Carlos Leal MD highlights the shock wave therapy and it’s very special role in the handling of sport injuries, especially the management of chronic tendinopathies.

In our fifth live webinar »MAGNETOLITH – EMTT^® Introduction« Prof. Dr Ludger Gerdesmeyer highlights the »Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy (EMTT^®)« as part of the »Physical Tissue Stimulation« concept.

In our fourth ESWT Live Webinar »Fascia and Spine Application – The Concept« Dr Stephan Swart & Dr Carlo Di Maio will talk about »Integrated Myofascial Pain Therapy«.

Pseudarthrosis are big talking points in orthopaedics. Shock wave therapy for fracture healing disorders requires uncompromising device technology, specialization and many cases.

Here is the recording of our second STORZ MEDICAL webinar »Extracorporeal shock wave therapy – state of the art« with Prof. Dr. Ludger Gerdesmeyer on April 21, 2020

Prof. Dr. Ludger Gerdesmeyer will present recent science and techniques in shock wave therapy. Standard indication and treatment modalities will be explained as well as innovative new indications.

Here is the recording of our first STORZ MEDICAL webinar »40 Years of Shock Wave Therapy« with Prof. Dr. Karsten Knobloch on April 14, 2020

We are excited to announce our first STORZ MEDICAL live webinar on Tuesday, 14th April 2020 at 18:00. Prof. Dr. Karsten Knobloch will talk about the history of shock wave therapy – as it‘s been 40 years now since the first successful clinical application of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) for kidney stone disintegration in February 1980 in Munich, Germany.

Safety comes first – in all areas

Due to the worsening COVID 19 pandemic, STORZ MEDICAL has taken a number of measures to protect our employees, customers and partners in the best possible way and to ensure business operations. We are guided by the recommendations of international and national authorities.

In February 2020, STORZ MEDICAL has received the CE approval for the MAGNETOLITH^® system, which is the successor of the CELLACTOR^® MT1. Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy (EMTT^®) with the MAGNETOLITH^® opens up new possibilities in regeneration and rehabilitation. The areas of application include diseases of the musculoskeletal system such as lower back pain and tendinopathies of the rotator cuff or Achilles tendon. The non-invasive, outpatient therapy is virtually free of side effects.

40 years ago, on 7 February 1980, the first treatment of a kidney stone patient with shock waves was performed at the Department of Urology of Munich University Hospital based at the Grosshardern campus. Several STORZ MEDICAL employees from the company’s research, development and marketing departments were present to witness the historic event, which ushered in a new era in medical technology: the era of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).

For years, STORZ MEDICAL has been teaming up with medical specialists to pioneer the development of radial shock wave transmitters, which are used to treat myofascial conditions. One of the challenges that medical professionals face every day when using shock waves is ensuring that treatment of particularly sensitive and deep-lying trigger points and myofascial imbalances is gentle, effective and virtually pain-free.

In 2018, Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS^®) with the NEUROLITH^® system was the first, and hitherto only, procedure of its kind to obtain market authorization for the »treatment of the central nervous system of patients with Alzheimer’s disease«. TPS_^® was developed by STORZ MEDICAL in collaboration with a team of researchers from the Medical University of Vienna (Department of Neurology), led by Professor Roland Beisteiner, and Dr. Henning Lohse-Busch, Rheintalklinik, Bad Krozingen. In December 2019, the prestigious journal »Advanced Science« published a study, in which Beisteiner et al. evaluate the method and present first treatment results. The presented data shows that it is possible to improve brain performance with TPS^® and that there is a long-term effect.

Düsseldorf/Germany: After three fascinating and very interesting days, MEDICA 2019 ended on 21 November. Once again, the world’s leading medical trade fair was a huge success. At STORZ MEDICAL’s exhibition stand in hall 10, the full range of the company’s therapy options was on display – including several innovations. Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS^®) with the NEUROLITH^® system, a unique procedure for patients with Alzheimer's disease, was explained in detail by Dr Rafael Storz, who also answered the visitors’ questions. In addition, the new MAGNETOLITH^® for Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy (EMTT^®) and the redesigned MODULITH^® SLC were also at the centre of attention. Both devices were unveiled and presented during the trade fair.

On 1 September 2019, STORZ MEDICAL celebrated the opening of STORZ MEDICAL France, which is managed by Mihai Atanasiu. With the new office in Paris, STORZ MEDICAL wants to meet the needs of its customers in this important market for shock wave devices in the best possible way in the future. The goal is to create the conditions for even greater customer proximity by providing direct selling and equipment service/support. The new office is STORZ MEDICAL’s fifth office outside of Switzerland. The other offices are in Germany (Jena), Italy (Rome), Spain (Barcelona) and UK (London).

The »Christian Chaussy Award« is a new award launched by the German Society for Shock Wave Lithotripsy (DGSWL) to recognise outstanding scientific work. STORZ MEDICAL supports the award with a research grant, the prize money is €2,500. It was presented for the first time during the 71st Congress of the German Society of Urology (DGU) in Hamburg, Germany, on 18 September 2019.

»ESWT in hand surgery« by Professor Karsten Knobloch is the recent volume of the Level10 book series »Shock wave therapy in practice«.
The book provides a comprehensive overview of the beneficial application of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) in hand surgery.

Hundreds of thousands of dilligent bees swarm again this year for STORZ MEDICAL and make an important contribution to our ecosystem - and therefore also to us humans.

Ian Couch is an experienced British adventurer, ocean rower and endurance athlete. His previous successes are more than impressive: He rowed across the Atlantic twice and is the only person ever to have crossed the Indian Ocean in a rowing boat. Over the years he has set a totalof six world records in rowing. What's more, he has broken a British record for the fastest Greenland crossing on skis, he's run through the Gobi Desert and the Namib Desert and has mastered numerous other ultra running events.

Today, innovations in pressure and shock wave technology are increasingly found in the field of radial transmitters. In order to further optimize the treatment of individual indications, for years now STORZ MEDICAL has been developing specially shaped transmitters.

Even the youngest radial pressure wave device of STORZ MEDICAL, the MASTERPULS^® ONE, convinces by his appealing design.

In December 2018, STORZ MEDICAL has received the CE approval for the NEUROLITH^®, a new therapy system for the treatment of neurological diseases.

Just in time for MEDICA 2018 (12 – 15 November in Düsseldorf, Germany), STORZ MEDICAL has received the CE approval for its new radial pressure wave device MASTERPULS^® ONE. The device can be ordered with immediate effect from STORZ MEDICAL’s authorised distribution partners.

Joint Press Release Siemens Healthineers and STORZ MEDICAL
Tägerwilen, Schweiz | Erlangen, Deutschland
October 01, 2018

70^th Congress of the German Society for Urology in Dresden
STORZ MEDICAL and Siemens Healthineers plan sales partnership for urology

• Future collaboration will facilitate access for customers of both companies, and their patients, to the latest technologies for diagnostic imaging in urology and non-invasive therapy for urinary and renal calculi
• Mobile C-arms in the Cios family from Siemens Healthineers, together with MODULITH^® SLK »inline« from STORZ MEDICAL, will form an innovative solution for powerful shock wave lithotripsy and endourological interventions

»ESWT in Aesthetic Medicine, Burns & Dermatology« by DIGEST president Professor Karsten Knobloch is the latest volume in the successful »Shock Wave Therapy in Practice« series.

The book offers an up-to-date overview of application areas of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in reconstructive surgery, burn surgery and aesthetic surgery.

A large part of our employees have formed small groups and registered as STORZ MEDICAL for the nationwide bicycle campaign »Bike to Work« in Switzerland, where more than 54,000 commuters ride with their bikes to work.

© beeboys - Fotolia.com

Until just a few years ago, either focused shock waves or radial pressure waves (from a physical point of view, they are radial pressure waves, not shock waves) were used for orthopaedic pain management, depending on the indication. Lately, however, there has been a change: In order to achieve even better therapy results, more and more physicians prefer to combine both technologies for many indications.

J Medical is not only one of the most advanced sports medicine institutes in Italy, but one of the best in the whole of Europe. With an area of over 3,500 m², offers an excellent range of diagnosis and treatment options that enjoy the highest reputation even far beyond the northern Italian city of Turin where it is based.

»Shock Waves in Sports Medicine« (Level10 publishing house) is already the 8th volume in the »Shock Wave Therapy in Practice« book series. Edited by Prof Heinz Lohrer and Dr Tanja Nauck, the publication shows the range of applications of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in sports medicine and provides valuable insights.

On this year`s EAU (European Association of Urology) 2018 in Copenhagen STORZ MEDICAL is presenting the new MODULITH® SLX-F2 »FD21«: the proven extracorporeal shockwave lithotripter equipped with a new dynamic state-of the art x-ray flat panel detector.

During MEDICA 2017 (13 – 16 November) STORZ MEDICAL presented the new radial shock wave system MASTERPULS^® ONE. Other highlights were the presentation of the lithotripter MODULITH^® SLK »intelect« and the award ceremony for the STORZ MEDICAL »Scientific Shock Wave Award«.

The new practice handbook »Fascia Treatment with Shock Waves« (published by the Level10 publishing house) by Prof. Dr Matthias Beck, Dr Carlo Di Maio, Dr Stephan Swart and Corry Ullrich provides doctors and therapists with sound basic knowledge of fascial shock wave therapy.

STORZ MEDICAL’s MODULITH^® SLK »intelect« was a winner of this year’s iF DESIGN AWARD, a world-renowned design prize. The lithotripter was awarded in the discipline »Product«, in the category »Medicine & Healthcare«. The fusion of aesthetic appearance and user-friendly functionality has convinced the 58-member design jury.

During MEDICA 2016 in Düsseldorf/Germany, STORZ MEDICAL presented its new brochure »The Art of Shock Wave«.

STORZ MEDICAL presented the full range of its shock wave therapy solutions at the world’s leading medical trade fair MEDICA, which took place in Düsseldorf/Germany from 14 to 17 November 2016. The international visitors had the opportunity to learn about the technological advantages and the pioneering modularity of shock wave therapy devices such as the MODULITH^® SLK »intelect« or the new MASTERPULS^® MP200 »ultra«. Another highlight was the significantly extended range of online and offline information material about shock wave therapy that STORZ MEDICAL offers to its customers.

More than 10,000 experts met at this year’s German Congress for Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery (DKOU), which took place in Berlin, Germany, from 25-28 October. The motto of the congress was »Back to the future«. At STORZ MEDICAL’s stand, visitors had the opportunity to get to know the advantages of the new MASTERPULS^® MP200 »ultra«. The radial shock wave device is also STORZ MEDICAL’s current »Product of the Season«: Customers who order the device before December 15, 2016, receive a V-ACTOR^® handpiece and a touch screen free of charge.

STORZ MEDICAL presented the new D-ACTOR^® 200 »ultra« at this year’s 5-Continent-Congress («5CC»), which was held in Barcelona, Spain, from 31 August to 3 September 2016. Apart from the established radial Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT^®) and the V-ACTOR® vibration therapy for the treatment of cellulite, the D-ACTOR^® 200 »ultra« additionally offers the new VACU-ACTOR^® vacuum therapy. The combination of three technologies in one device broadens the range of treatment options and helps to improve treatment results.

The expert committee of the International Design Awards (IDA) has twice rewarded the lithotripter MODULITH® SLK »intelect« in Los Angeles. The device received the “Gold” award in the category "Industrial And Life Science Design - Medical/Scientific Machinery" and additional a “Honorable Mention”. The fusion of aesthetic appearance and user friendly functionality has convinced the design jury.

Compact, intelligent, flexible: during the EAU Congress 2016 in Munich/Germany (11-15 March), STORZ MEDICAL presented the new MODULITH^® SLK »intelect«. The lithotripter’s impressing features make it the ideal shock wave solution for urological workstations.

MODULITH^® SLK »intelect«

For treating fascial structures, alongside conventional treatments, shock wave therapy is increasingly used – with excellent results. Dr Stephan Swart and Dr Carlo Di Maio are two physicians who used shock wave therapy to treat fascia-related problems early on. Based on their ideas and experiences, in collaboration with STORZ MEDICAL the new PERI-ACTOR^® transmitters were developed that fundamentally facilitate and optimize fascial therapy. In order to share their comprehensive expertise, Dr Swart and Dr Di Maio have founded the discentis continuing professional development academy.

Special fascial transmitters facilitate treatment

STORZ MEDICAL has received the PMA approval (premarket approval) of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the DUOLITH^® SD1 (Class III)*. This means that the innovative focused shock wave therapy system has now the FDA’s highest level of approval. It is approved in the USA for the treatment of heel pain due to chronic proximal plantar fasciitis**. As a result of the FDA approval, STORZ MEDICAL and its partners are now able to begin with the market launch of the DUOLITH^® SD1 in the USA. The PMA approval of the device in the USA is also important for other countries as it signalizes that the DUOLITH^® SD1 can be trusted when treating chronic plantar fasciitis.

DUOLITH^® SD1

The »3rd SHOCK WAVE China« – a conference on extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) – was held in Shanghai, China, from 24 – 25 October 2015. It was sponsored by STORZ MEDICAL. More than 300 participants attended top class talks and hands-on workshops on treatment possibilities, innovative technology solutions and current trends. Many Chinese media reported on the conference, which shows that shock wave therapy is becoming more and more important in China.

SHOCK WAVE China 2015 – sponsored by STORZ MEDICAL

The public hospital »Hospital Obrero« in San Bernardo de Tarija, Bolivia, is counting on the DUOLITH^® SD1 »ultra« for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) caused by vascular diseases. It is the first hospital to offer ED treatment with the DUOLITH^® SD1 »ultra« in Latin America. Since 2014 the Boston Medical Group has distributed several DUOLITH^® SD1 »T-TOP« devices, amongst others, in Brazil, Mexico and Peru, and now the success story of this latest model in the product family is continued.

During MEDICA 2015 in Düsseldorf/Germany, STORZ MEDICAL presented the full range of its shock wave therapy solutions and several innovations. Highlights were the new MASTERPULS^® MP200 »ultra« and the new radial »FALCON« handpiece – they make working with the patient pleasant, efficient and flexible.

Successful launch of focused shock wave therapy in France

Rééduca (Gicare), the world’s largest trade fair for physiotherapists, was held in Paris (France) from 9 to 11 October 2015. 11,000 visitors attended the event, where more than 150 exhibitors presented the latest trends and solutions in rehabilitation. One of the trade fair’s highlights was the launch of focused shock wave therapy in France at the stand of STORZ MEDICAL and its long-time partner SHOCKWAVE FRANCE. Visitors had the chance to get information on the new DUOLITH® SD1 »ultra« and to experience the user-friendly technology of the new focused »SEPIA®« handpiece. »Focused shock wave offers users of shock wave therapy additional treatment possibilities. The conditions are very attractive as with the new generation of the DUOLITH® SD1 »ultra« both the investment costs as well as the operating costs have significantly decreased«, said Mihai Atanasiu, director of SHOCKWAVE FRANCE.

In the fifth year since premiering at the Vienna EAU Congress in the Spring of 2011, the success story of the MODULITH® SLK »inline« just keeps rolling on. This year, the mark of 60 installed devices all over the world will be exceeded. The number counts towards the 1700 STORZ MEDICAL systems sold throughout the world in the last 27 years.

Fasciae are connective tissue structures that pervade the entire body. In the 1950s, the American biochemist Ida Rolf examined fasciae for the first time. She believed that the connective tissue or fasciae played a greater role in muscle aches than muscles did. This resulted in rolfing, a manual body therapy that affects the network of fasciae in the human body. For a long time, it was unclear what really had an effect on the connective tissue and the role that it actually played. Today, we know that fasciae cover all our muscles as well as all our organs. Muscles are only able to transfer their complete force through them. Fasciae contain above all nerve endings, receptors and lymphatic fluids and thereby cover our bodies like a network. Fasciae are flexible and can change.

Currently, innovations in radial shock wave technology are increasingly found in the area of shock transmitters. In order to further optimize the treatment of individual indications and body regions, shock transmitters are developed which are specially formed for the needs they serve. In addition to the newly developed fasciae shock transmitters specialized shock transmitters for the radial shock wave handpiece for treating painful dysfunction on the entire spinal column are now being presented for the first time: the so-called SPINE-ACTOR® shock transmitters. They allow muscular imbalances and pain conditions to be treated equally well as trigger points.

Disorders called pseudarthroses can occur in rare cases when bone fractures heal. Certain bones are more frequently affected than others, such as the long bones (lower leg, upper leg, upper arm and ulna with radius) or the scaphoid bone. Conventional treatment occurs via surgical intervention. Today, however, shock wave therapy is being used more and more frequently as an alternative, to great success; a success story which began in the early 1990's.

250 million people of every age play football all over the world – this means that people are destined to get injured. Since football is a contact sport and most people do not use shin pads or other protection, a wide range of different injuries are possible. During a game, players constantly change movements and are continually stopping and running. This places great strain on the entire locomotor system and its connected musculoskeletal system. The weather and the state of the pitch can also cause injuries.

Right from the very beginning, STORZ MEDICAL has placed great emphasis on developing high-quality products and solutions that not only provide excellent ergonomic design and superior therapeutic outcome but also deliver exceptional treatment success rates even under adverse ambient conditions. To meet this challenge on a long-term basis, we continually evaluate the installation and application reports submitted by our engineers to figure out if and how we can improve our systems in terms of ease of servicing and installation, reliability of components, transport safety and robustness. The information gathered from this analysis is used both in the development of new systems and in the service and maintenance of existing products operated by our customers. All these efforts translate into an exceptional service life of STORZ MEDICAL systems, which – in many cases – may reach over twenty years with unlimited performance level or localization precision.

The treatment modalities available for urolithiasis have radically changed over the last 35 years. Innovations from all over the world have revolutionized the treatment options in stone management. Extensive open surgery with a significant mortality rate has been replaced almost entirely by minimally invasive or non-invasive procedures for the treatment of stones of any type, size or location. Similarly to other great developments in history, the road to modern stone management has been long and rocky.

As a successful shock wave technology company, STORZ MEDICAL is used to creating fields of tension to generate energy, dynamics and reaction. One field which provides a fitting accompaniment to the medical side is the company's appreciation of art.

Users were already able to have a first glance at the focused »SEPIA«-handpiece of the DUOLITH® »ultra« line in October 2014, when it was presented during the »2nd International SHOCK WAVE Conference« in Berlin. The newly developed »SEPIA«-handpiece will be available as of June 2015. In addition to the customary aesthetic design, it offers a whole range of innovative features from which users can benefit.

In December 2014 the first stationary MODULITH® SLK »inline« in Australia was installed at Casey Hospital in Berwick, a south-eastern suburb of Melbourne, Victoria. Casey Hospital is part of the Monash Health network, the largest in Victoria. Services include an emergency department, general medical, mental health, rehabilitation, surgical and ambulatory care services. The hospital is a provider of paediatric services for Monash Children's Hospital and is a centre for the leading cardiac services of MonashHEART, too. Dr. Philip McCahy, Clinical Head Urologist at Casey Hospital, had a few words to say about last week's successful installation and dedication of STORZ MEDICAL's MODULITH® SLK »inline« – The smart solution of Lithotripsy.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to achieve and/or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. While most often associated with older men, erectile dysfunction is a common problem for men of all ages.

STORZ MEDICAL AG is known around the globe for its extensive range of products and services in the field of extracorporeal shock wave therapy. High-end solutions are available for applications in urology, cardiology, orthopaedics, dermatology and other disciplines. With the recent launch of the innovative PRIMERA ST360® urological workstation, STORZ MEDICAL now offers its first medical system without integrated shock wave unit. This means the company treads new ground in an area in which it has a wealth of experience and expertise.

The »2nd International SHOCK WAVE Conference« was held in Berlin, Germany, from 3-4 October 2014. More than 250 attendees discussed current trends and future perspectives of shock wave therapy. STORZ MEDICAL was the corporate sponsor of the event and presented not only innovative fascia transmitters but also the trend-setting focused shock wave handpiece »SEPIA«.

Medical history was made when the first patient with kidney stones was treated successfully with shock waves in February 1980. It was in 1989 when STORZ MEDICAL revolutionized shock wave lithotripsy with its special design of a new cylindrical coil to generate shock waves with most favourable field distribution and widest energy range. For the first time, this technique allowed extremely large apertures and extraordinary focal depth. Another striking feature of the cylindrical coil was the central opening that was designed to enable inline localization. This inline configuration was a technological masterpiece.

MODULITH^® SLK »inline« - Design in every detail

Helping athletes reach the podium: Team Canada relies on DUOLITH^® SD1 and MASTERPULS^® line

Ski jumping, cross-country, ice hockey: The world's best winter athletes gathered in Vancouver, Canada for the 2010 Olympic Games. Athletes from over 80 countries inspired both the live audience and the billions of television viewers. Among the winners: STORZ MEDICAL and long-time business partner REMINGTON MEDICAL! Both companies were recognized by the Olympic Organizing Committee as »Friends of the Games« for equipping the medical infrastructure with shock wave systems.

View from Whistler Mountain near Vancouver - © Robert Cocquyt - www.fotolia.com

Quality

The STORZ MEDICAL shock wave systems are designed for a long working life. In order to give users and patients a positive and confident inspiring impression only high-quality materials and components are used. In addition, the systems are assembled and tested by qualified staff directly at the STORZ MEDICAL headquarters in Switzerland.

In view of the constantly growing global competition it is no longer enough for enterprises to distinguish their products by quality and equipment features alone. In order to ensure that a product does not go unnoticed in the marketplace, it is necessary to create an individual image for this product and even for the corresponding enterprise. A positive image increases the anticipation of making a unique experience with a product.

© Emi Cristea - Fotolia.com

When planning the STORZ MEDICAL building in Tägerwilen on Lake Constance, energy efficiency got high priority from the outset.

The aim was to avoid an indoor climate often found in modern low energy buildings with forced ventilation and systems that keep temperatures at a constant level independent of the season: There employees perceive temperature, humidity and air exchange as unnatural and get a feeling of powerlessness.

Shock waves are longitudinal mechanical waves (acoustic waves). They interact with cells of the body by mechanotransduction.

Shock waves for cardiac use are generated outside the body in a water filled therapy head and coupled to the skin via a flexible membrane. Under simultaneous ultrasound control precise focussing and scanning of predetermined target areas is performed.

Shock wave therapy is an acknowledged form of treatment in urology, orthopaedics and cardiology. Wound healing is a relatively new field of application. At a STORZ MEDICAL symposium held in the course of the 17th Annual Congress of the German Wound Healing Society in Bochum, experts presented current data and informed about this promising treatment option.

Left: Treating an open wound on the foot with the DUOLITH^® SD1 »ultra«
Right: Shock wave treatment of a non-healing wound

Evolution

The first successful disintegration of kidney stones was on February 8th 1980 in Munich, Bavaria. At that time the milestone for one of the most successful non-invasive therapies was set. In the mid-1990s the extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) was first used for orthopaedic indications. For this purpose, modified urological lithotripters were employed, which, however, did not become established in medical practice because of their shape, size and high investment costs. 1999 marked the beginning of the successful »career« of radial shock waves in orthopaedic pain therapy. Compact and conveniently priced shock wave systems became available for orthopaedic treatments for the first time. The treatments for horses started at the same time.

Dr Adolfo Muñoz, medical director of the Villarreal CF soccer club with the DUOLITH^® SD1 »ultra«

Football champion 2010/2011 in Germany and current second of German first league »Bundesliga« relies on DUOLITH^® and MASTERPULS^® shock wave therapy for its professional football team.

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).

Canton Thurgau, home of STORZ MEDICAL, is a region of high quality of life where many high-performance and talented young athletes as well as hobby athletes live.

(Picture: Dr Pascal Vogt treating a young athlete)

German Bobsleigh and Luge Teams in Top Shape

One of the top pushers, Franziska Fritz of the team of Sandra Kiriasis (silver medallist in the European Championship), and Dr Heinzinger at the start in St. Moritz

The intelligent connection of modern technology in urology

The German Design Council's Premier Prize

The German Design Award is the German Design Council's international premium prize, which further enhances the reputation of both designers and companies. Prizes will be awarded to high-quality products and projects from product and communication design, design personalities and newcomers for their pioneering contributions to the German and international design landscape.

Red Dot Award 2012

German Design Award 2014 – Special Mention

Together with guests from politics, business and medicine, the KARL STORZ Group celebrated the inauguration of the renovated and modernized former Empress Augusta Hospital on 10 and 11 October. The future Berlin activities of the KARL STORZ Group will thus be combined under one roof.

The new world champion comes from South Korea

At the 2013 figure skating World Championship in London (Canada), South Korea's Kim Yu-na once again won the gold medal. Thus, she continues her successful course after winning Olympic gold in 2010. For years she has placed her trust in the DUOLITH^® SD1 »T-Top«, which accompanies her on her tour around the world.

(Picture: Kim Yu-na and Andrew Son (UIC, STORZ MEDICAL partner in South Korea) are happy about her victory)

Technological progress in the field of extracorporeal shock wave therapy over the past few years has also effectively increased the range of treatment options for top class athletes. Today, focused shock wave therapy is used to treat a multitude of acute and overuse sporting injuries in order to shorten the inactive periods of athletes.

Technological progress in the generation of shock waves and the design of lithotripters has rendered treatment methods easier and more comfortable. However, the treatment results strongly depend on the correct handling of the technology.

Interview with the CSWT expert PD Dr Jean-Paul Schmid

Dear Dr Schmid, your clinic has been using shock waves in cardiology with success since 2006 to treat refractory angina pectoris. Personally, you have been working with the innovative MODULITH^® SLC for 8 years. This device is now used quite successfully in many renowned clinical centres for the non-invasive revascularization of the heart.

The German Design Council honoured the lithotripter MODULITH^® SLK »inline« with the premium prize »German Design Award – Special Mention« on February the 15th 2013 in Frankfurt. Every year the German Design Council awards a prize to the best design and the most attractive ergonomics of technological innovations. After winning the red dot design award in 2011 the MODULITH SLK inline convinced again a design jury!