[3][4] It is recognised as a global leader in human medical instruments in the field of minimally invasive surgery and rigid endoscopes used for examining body cavities.

[7] Karl Storz, a surgical mechanic, founded his company in 1945 in Tuttlingen, initially focusing on the production of instruments and lamps for ear, nose, and throat medicine.

[7][8][9] In the early 1950s, Karl Storz developed and produced the first endoscopes with a traditional lens system, marking the company's entry into endoscopy.

A miniature flash bulb, positioned near the eyepiece of the telescope, has since provided a well-lit and colour-corrected view of the bladder interior.

[8] A 1971 study showed that the electro hydraulic lithotripsy procedure at the University Urology Clinic in Mainz resulted in the disintegration of uric acid stones in seven patients within 15 to 35 minutes.

Karl Storz's instruments played a key role in promoting the surgical technique, contributing to the development of the field and expansion of the company.

[26][31] In 2007, Karl Storz launched a medical full-HD camera named Image1, which enabled precise visualisation of tissue and vascular structures.

[36] Additionally, a visitor and training centre was inaugurated at the newly established branch in Berlin, located in the former Kaiserin Augusta Hospital.

[42][43] Also in 2020, Karl Storz launched the technology known as Image1 S Rubina, which is used for intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) near-infrared fluorescence, for example, during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

[44][45] A year later, the company embarked on an extensive construction project to expand the logistics centre at the Neuhausen ob Eck site.

Karl Storz is investing a three-figure million sum to build two new production halls, as well as additional offices and parking spaces.

[46] In February 2023, the subsidiary Karl Storz VentureOne was founded, with headquarters in Singapore and another location in Munich, focusing on robotic surgery.

[64][1] In addition to supporting local sporting events,[65] Karl Storz serves as the main sponsor of the Schwenninger DEL team, the Wild Wings.

[71] Since 2023, the company has organised the Schools Day together with the Wild Wings, offering students from Year 7 upwards a glimpse into various training careers at Karl Storz in the ice hockey team's stadium.

[66] Furthermore, Karl Storz is a partner in a molecular imaging technology initiative supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.