ERBE ELEKTROMEDIZIN GMBH C o r p o r a t e b r o c h u r e PERFECTION FOR LIFE.
PERFECTION FOR LIFE PEOPLE ARE THE HIGHEST BENCHMARK FOR OUR TECHNOLOGY. Medical technology from ERBE. Surgeons, OR teams and patients throughout the world rely on it. Our innovations are measured according to the highest standards, because people count. For this reason, our entire philosophy and action is focused on the surgeon s task and the patients' needs. As a technology leader, we strive to develop the best systems for all medical specialties and individual requirements. So our units and instruments for electrosurgery, vessel sealing, argon plasma coagulation (APC), waterjet surgery and cryosurgery in hospitals, clinics and specialist practices, have today become indispensable. Here they enable efficient, time and cost-saving therapy. The growing worldwide success over what is now five generations shows that with qualified employees and the latest technology, we are one step ahead and can offer our own contribution to medical progress. We are successful in what we do because we work closely with leading physicians, scientific partners, medical schools and technical universities. So practical expertise together with the latest research results go into product development. The result is products which are characterized by their precision and ergonomics. They help surgeons of all specialities to work highly efficiently for faster healing processes. Perfection for life.
I CAN RELY ON ERBE AS A PARTNER
1851 to 1962 FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION: MILESTONES OF SUCCESS. Progress. Since the company was founded, the collaboration with renowned physicians has been an ERBE tradition. This developed into a success story, which is perpetuated from generation to generation to the present day. In 1851 Christian Heinrich Erbe (*1821 1902) opened his workshop in Tübingen in which he manufactured optical and mechanical instruments for the university institutes. Working closely with university professors, he developed trend-setting new designs, for example for Prof. von Bruns, the world famous surgeon and pioneer of laryngeal surgery. He built instruments for galvanocaustic applications for coagulation and to separate biological tissue using electric current. With the Tübingen ophthalmologist Dr. Albrecht Nagel, Christian H. Erbe developed the diopter unit of measurement for the focal length of spectacle lenses. Christian Gottlieb Erbe (*1855 1907) took over running the company in 1882 and after his early death was succeeded by his wife, Pauline Erbe (*1857 1933). A large number of batteries and induction apparatuses for medical applications were developed in this company generation, for example for electrical stimulation therapy. The products were sold internationally for the first time and attracted a high level of worldwide attention. For example, the ERBE microtome, with which histological tissue slices could be produced, was awarded a prize at the World Exhibition in Chicago in 1893. Another significant product from this era: the Tübingen ophthalmoscope for examining the inside of the eye. In 1901 Christian G. Erbe was appointed Purveyor to the Royal Court. In 1907 Christian Otto Erbe (*1884 1965) entered the company management. He led the company through the troubled times of war and economic crisis. Under his management the company was transformed from a craftsman's establishment into an industrial firm. In 1923 the company brought the first high frequency surgical unit onto the market. Together with the director of the University Hospital, Prof. Martin Kirschner, Christian O. Erbe developed an instrument for the coagulation and therapy of painful trigeminal facial nerves of Gasser's ganglion. Another renowned development of this time: the world's first portable X-ray machine. The workshop of the company founder, Christian Heinrich Erbe, in Neue Strasse 2. This is where the world famous thermometer based on the concept of Dr. Ehrle originated.
The company founder Christian Heinrich Erbe (*1821 1902). The second generation: Christian Gottlieb Erbe (*1855 1907). Pauline Karoline Erbe, nee Grünvogel (*1857 1933). The third gene ration: Christian Otto Erbe (*1884 1965). The perimeter (Priestley Smith Model) with adjustable chin rest is an example of the many ophthalmological instruments that Christian Gottlieb Erbe had in the product range in 1900. Milestones 1851 Development of the first instruments for galvanocaustic therapy according to Prof. Bruns 1865 Production of the first clinical fever thermometer based on the concept of Dr. Ehrle 1867 Development of the first test spectacle lenses with diopter classification from Prof. Nagel 1890 Development of the Cathcart microtome according to Christian G. Erbe 1923 First high-frequency generator for surgery and therapy 1925 The first portable X-ray machine, the Erbe X 1928 Development of instruments for electrocoagulation of Gasser's ganglion according to Prof. Kirschner 1931 High-pressure local anesthesia machine according to Prof. Kirschner
SINCE 1962 / TODAY INVENTORS HAVE A HEAD START. The fourth generation: Helmut Erbe (*1928), CEO until 2002. In 1945 Helmut Erbe (*1928) began working in the company. In 1962 he took over its management. He modernized the organization, expanded the distribution network, founded sales and service subsidiaries and intensified contact with customers and foreign trading companies for medical technology. The first subsidiary was founded in Vienna in 1968, followed by others in France, the U.S.A., the Netherlands, Switzerland, Poland and Great Britain. Representative offices were opened in Russia and China. The first regulated electrosurgical unit was a milestone in electrosurgical technology worldwide. Completely new technologies took over in the operating rooms and medical practices. Helmut Erbe created a solid basis at all levels from development to sales for continued progress and increasing success. A world first 1992: ERBOTOM ICC electrosurgical unit. Milestones 1975 Expansion of the product portfolio with cryosurgical systems 1986 Market launch of the first automatically regulated surgical unit in the world: ERBOTOM TUR 1992 Launch of the ERBOTOM ICC series with Intelligent Cut and Coagulation. The regulated highfrequency cutting technique made ERBE a leader in electrosurgery 1995 Presentation of the first flexible probe for argon plasma coagulation in endoscopic surgery
Christian O. Erbe and Reiner Thede now manage the company since 1996 as CEOs in the fifth generation. In 1996 with his son Christian O. Erbe and his son-in-law Reiner Thede, Helmut Erbe heralded the fifth generation of the company's management. Christian O. Erbe and Reiner Thede manage the company with international orientation and open further subsidiaries in India and Italy, as well as Russia and China, which had previously been representative offices. New representative offices in South America and the Middle East expand the distribution network. The VIO product family is introduced under the leadership of the fifth generation and the product portfolio is realigned. The Research and Development Department move into a separate building in 2005. In 2008 a logistics center is finished which enables centralized shipping of ERBE products throughout the world. A new apprentice workshop and prototype construction is established in 2012, also in a neighboring building. A new facility with clean room production opens in Rangendingen the same year. With the major West extension project, the head office space is doubled in 2014. ERBE will also continue to expand its leading position in medical technology on the world market in the future. ERBE VIO configurable as a workstation for medical specialties. Milestones 2002 Sales launch of the ERBE VIO electrosurgery system. Further expansion of the VIO product family and sub-modules in the subsequent years 2007 Market launch of the ERBEJET 2 waterjet surgery system 2009 Product launch of the HybridKnife multifunctional probe combining electrosurgery and waterjet surgery 2012 Further expansion of the product range for vessel sealing 2014 Market launch of the ERBECRYO 2 for pneumology for cryobiopsy and cryoextraction, e.g. of tumors 2014 Further expansion of the product range with hybrid instruments
USER BENEFITS WHY SHOULD SURGEONS ADAPT TO A SYSTEM IF THERE ARE SYSTEMS THAT ADAPT TO THEM? How can operative procedures be carried out as quickly and safely as possible and subject the patient to the least stress and yet offer the best medical outcome? Electrosurgical cutting, coagulating and devitalization of tissue has become indispensable in open surgery or in minimally invasive procedures. While ensuring precision and safety, the ERBE electrosurgical systems are perfectly adapted to the surgeon and his team. The system s hardware and software can be configured to meet the requirements of different medical specialties and enable the highest flexibility. So the operating physician can concentrate fully on the procedure. The technology adapts itself reliably and safely to his/her mode of working. The units automatically dose the required power output. Modes and the suitable instruments are available to the surgeon for every specialty. Advantages for patients Reduction of pain and complications after the procedure New, low-impact surgical techniques Better healing process, shorter hospital stay Advantages for hospitals and hospital administrations Future-safe, economical and a long-lasting investment Faster and safer treatment reduces costs Upgradable and expandable with functionalities for the specific specialty Can be connected with other systems Low maintenance and servicing costs Advantages for surgeons and OR personnel Latest technology for the perfect procedure Surgical systems tailored to different medical specialties, indications and interventions Simple, interactive and safe operation Reduced operation times High degree of safety in use thanks to easy handling, care and maintenance Precision instruments for every medical specialty
ERBE surgical systems stand for a high degree of safety in use.
PROFESSIONAL DIALOG IF YOU DON'T ASK QUESTIONS, YOU GET STUCK AT YESTERDAY'S LEVEL. We are not content with what we have already achieved. We and our clinical partners always question the status quo. Maybe that is what raises us above the others. Throughout the world ERBE is in intensive dialog with users and decision-makers. What has proved to be successful? What can be improved? Where have the practical requirements changed? This critical analysis provides us with points of departure for further constructive developments and innovations, which repeatedly lead to new methods of treatment and new areas of application. Every year we are involved in several hundred scientific workshops in which users can test and discuss the functionality of our units, instruments and systems. We present our products and their practical use at all the important specialist fairs and medical congresses over 330 per year. Here we are in dialog with a top-class audience of experts from the medical profession, hospital technology and administration, as well as with our commercial partners. We familiarize the medical and technical specialist personnel with our units to ensure the safe use of our technology. That is why we created the ERBE plus academy training department. We train external target groups as well as our company employees to provide further specialist qualifications in our own training facilities or on-site in universities and hospital training centers.
Specialist information worldwide Workshops, symposia, conferences, seminars, congresses and specialist fairs worldwide Users regularly report on their experiences with ERBE technology in international surgical publications Current information on new products and applications on our website New application videos on our website, www.medical-video.com Helpful answers to user questions from our customer hotline
PRODUCT PROGRAM DO YOU KNOW A LEADING SURGICAL AUTHORITY WHO OPERATES SUCCESSFULLY IN ALL MEDICAL SPECIALTIES? Surgical systems from ERBE: tailored, economical, future-oriented technology for numerous medical specialties. The ERBE VIO system can be individually configured according to the user's requirements: with functions and instruments specially developed for their specialty for example as a complete electrosurgical workstation. Vessel sealing is a technique in electrosurgery with which blood vessels as well as complete tissue bundles can be reliably sealed to stop bleeding. Vessels up to 7 mm in diameter can be sealed without a clip or suture before cutting. In gynecology or abdominal surgery the BiClamp instrument enables new, safe applications. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) from ERBE: a low complication, safe and finely controllable technique for contact-free hemostasis and tissue devitalization. The therapy successes in the gastro-intestinal tract, both in open surgery and in endoscopy, have been scientifically proven on a worldwide scale. With waterjet surgery, ERBE opens up a broad application spectrum for liver surgery, gastroenterology and urology. Even the finest tissue structures can be selectively separated and dissected with the aid of a wafer-thin waterjet. The technique preserves neighboring vessels, organs and nerves. Bleeding is minimal, the operating times shorter, there is less post-op pain and fewer complications and the therapeutic outcome is improved. ERBE units for cryosurgery are mainly used in pneumology, dermatology and vascular surgery. ERBE products in the medical specialties and indications General surgery / abdominal surgery Gastroenterology Gynecology Urology Pneumology Cardiac / thorax / vascular surgery ENT Neurosurgery Orthopedics / arthroscopy Dermatology
The VIO electrosurgery unit is the master module for surgery and gastroenterology workstations We provide the user with specifically developed instruments for every procedure: with precise surgical function and safe handling. Argon plasma coagulation Precise: the wafer-thin ERBEJET 2 waterjet. Cryosurgery
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT FOR US, RESEARCH IS THE CONSTANT SEARCH FOR IMPROVEMENT. Surgeons are presented with new medical challenges every day and therefore we are too. Minimally invasive or robot-aided surgical procedures have long since become part of the clinical routine. We focus all our efforts to contribute to our part patients being operated on more efficiently, precisely and safely in the future. We invest to a far greater extent than average for this goal. We investigate and optimize physical effects for therapeutic techniques and tackle questions of clinical applicability of new technologies. Specialists from many technical and scientific fields work in the ERBE Research and Development Center on innovations that enable further medical progress and consolidate and expand our technology lead. We are in close contact with partners around the world from clinical and technical specialties: We develop new application concepts together with users at medical schools and hospitals. We develop new solutions for future units and instruments together with institutes from technical universities and external engineering partners. This way ideas become innovations. Just some of the innovations put into practice The hardware and software-assisted control of electrical parameters in electrosurgery have made a coarse tool into a precisely controllable technique The flexible APC probe opens up completely new therapeutic options in the entire gastrointestinal tract and bronchial system HybridKnife with its multifunction (electrosurgery and waterjet surgery) enables endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in the gastrointestinal tract Using cryoprobes, tissue biopsies are taken from the lung or tumor stenoses are recanalized
The ERBE Research and Development Center: A nucleus for pioneering innovations.
WORLDWIDE IN AN EMERGENCY THERE CANNOT BE ANY FAILURE. WE ARE THERE. Medical technology has to work night and day. Because it is used directly on people, we subject our technology to above-average stress during endurance tests. We pay meticulous attention to compliance with our own high standards and we manufacture in Germany. We conduct permanent controls in all stages of development and manufacturing and thus ensure the faultless function of our products. ERBE s systems and units have international conformity marks and approvals. In over 110 national markets, ERBE is represented with its own subsidiaries and through specialist medical trade. So we are always close to the user with a dense sales and service network. Our qualified employees and distribution partners advise competently on technology and application. Our ERBE service partnership offers the customer an all-inclusive package. With fast repairs or an exchange unit, it ensures our systems are ready when needed. Our regular maintenance and safety checks at our service center or directly on site maintain the value of the investment. Furthermore, our customer hotlines leave no question unanswered with regard to our products and their application. Wherever people work with ERBE products we are there for them.
Headquarters, Tuebingen, Germany Research Development Manufacturing Sales Logistics Service International subsidiaries Austria, Vienna Belgium, Diegem China, Shanghai France, Lyon Great Britain, Leeds India, Chennai Italy, Milan Netherlands, Werkendam Poland, Warsaw Russia, Moscow Singapore Switzerland, Winterthur USA, Atlanta Representative offices Lebanon, Beirut Peru, Lima... as well as through specialist dealers in around 110 national markets. Contact details: www.erbe-med.com
TEAM SPIRIT WHAT DISTINGUISHES US FROM OTHERS? PERHAPS THE DIRECT DIALOG FROM PERSON TO PERSON. The people at ERBE develop products to help people. That is why people also enjoy the highest priority at our family-run company. We communicate between the departments on all levels of the company and, above all, directly with our customers and users. Direct and uncomplicatedly. Short decision-making processes and autonomous, responsible action by qualified employees ensures the necessary freedeom needed for research and development to break new ground. Our employees appreciate working in a spirit of partnership within a progressive, flexible organization. Many were trained at ERBE and have been with us for many years so valuable specialist knowledge and longstanding experience remains in the company. Continuing education, basic and advanced training also ensure our employees' qualifications for tomorrow's tasks. With committed, motivated people and our customer-orientation from research through to distribution and service ERBE will continue to develop future medical innovations that set new standards. Perfection for life.
Employees at ERBE Over 850 employees worldwide (as of 2014) Over 550 employees in Germany (as of 2014) ERBE supports trainees through an established in-house apprenticeship, as well as in cooperation with the Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW), universities of applied sciences and other universities
ELECTROSURGERY VESSEL SEALING ARGON PLASMA COAGULATION CRYOSURGERY WATERJET SURGERY ERBE Elektromedizin GmbH Waldhoernlestrasse 17 72072 Tuebingen Germany Telephone +49 7071 755-0 Telefax +49 7071 755-179 info@erbe-med.com www.erbe-med.com 85800-130 06.14 ERBE Elektromedizin GmbH 2014