Devices Surgery

 News Release - March 31, 2008

KARL STORZ and EndoGastric Solutions Form a Strategic Alliance to Advance Natural Orifice Surgery

Collaboration to Focus on Both Combined Technologies as Well as Education and Training Initiatives

TUTTLINGEN, Germany & REDMOND, Wash.--(HSMN NewsFeed)--KARL STORZ GmbH & Co. KG, the world leader in endoscopy and advanced video imaging technologies, announced today that it has signed an agreement with EndoGastric Solutions (EGS), the world leader in Natural Orifice Surgery (NOS) products and procedures, to partner in education and marketing of that company’s EsophyX and StomaphyX products for Natural Orifice Surgery with the KARL STORZ line of quality GI video endoscopes.

“Natural Orifice Surgery is the future of incisionless surgery,” commented EndoGastric Solutions Chief Executive Officer Thierry Thaure. “These procedures offer substantial benefits over laparoscopic or open alternatives. We create superior devices that are safe and effective. Our incisionless technology and refined procedures are the cornerstone of EGS products. This, coupled with the precise control and exceptional image quality of KARL STORZ endoscopes, provides a strong synergy and facilitates use of our devices.” Thaure added, “We are both visionaries advancing the future of surgery. The partnership will enable us both to better meet the needs of surgeons and advanced therapeutic gastroenterologists worldwide.”

KARL STORZ brings key strengths to its association with EGS. As a leading manufacturer of video imaging technologies for endoscopy, KARL STORZ provides innovative solutions to today’s surgical challenges. Its Image 1® HD video platform with its hub-like capabilities allow seamless integration of new technologies as they become available, including the company’s Flexible Videoendoscopes for laparoscopic GI procedures. KARL STORZ has also established a significant presence in leading surgical facilities worldwide. This will facilitate the path EGS products will follow to market since incremental capital equipment costs will be minimized.

“Since being founded more than 60 years ago, KARL STORZ has established an uncompromising attitude toward excellence, leadership and quality,” said Dr. h. c. mult. Sybill Storz, President and Chief Executive Officer of KARL STORZ. “This partnership is simply an extension of that commitment. The first EndoGastric Solutions/KARL STORZ combined Natural Orifice training course over 18 months ago at IRCAD convinced us of the opportunity presented by this partnership. Since that course, over 100 surgical teams have been trained by the cooperative arrangement. We believe that the formalized partnership will only enhance our mutual collaboration and benefit to both companies and to the medical community.”

Both companies are committed to working with SAGES and other surgical and gastroenterology societies to bring Natural Orifice Surgery to primary care hospitals in Europe, the United States and throughout the world and are focused on the high quality clinical education.

About KARL STORZ

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 or www.karlstorz-hd-endoscopy.com.

About EndoGastric Solutions

EndoGastric Solutions (EGS) is a privately held corporation located in Redmond, Washington and Redwood City, California. EGS is a pioneer in developing incisionless transoral procedures for the treatment of upper gastrointestinal conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other GI conditions. EsophyX and StomaphyX™ are cleared by the FDA, CE marked, and available for sale in the U.S and other parts of the world.

For more information about EndoGastric Solutions, Inc., EsophyX™ and StomaphyX™, please visit:

US: http://www.endogastricsolutions.com/

EU: http://www.egseurope.eu/

Other locations: http://www.egsglobal.net/

Source: KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America

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