| In 1992 |
SOMATEX® was founded by Frank Kniep.
From the very beginning the main focus was placed on the development and production of innovative disposable medical instruments. The corporate leitmotif is still to react in a flexible manner to the wishes and requirements of users as well as to new technical developments. |
| In 1993 |
the first puncture and biopsy needles were developed, some of which were patented, manufactured and sold. |
| In 1995 |
from the point of view of the future growing importance of operations carried out using MRI, the development and production of the company’s own first MRI-compatible products were a milestone in the young company’s activity. Today, this small, but significant market still has interesting prospects. |
| In 1996 |
the forward-looking development of laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy (LITT) took place at the Berliner Charité Clinic. The catheter sets for LITT are an important aspect of the company’s research- and development-related activities. As part of further cooperation and research, these and many other developments were continuously expanded, improved, patented and established among customers during the course of the following years. The design for LITT was awarded the Berlin-Brandenburg Innovation Prize and the Stauffer Prize. |
| In 1997 |
starting with the development of „BONE-MARROW“, a disposable needle for bone marrow biopsies, a product line for the area of haematology/oncology was created. |
| In 1998 |
the company was certified in accordance with EC standards, while the quality management system was certified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001 and DIN EN 46001. The product line for antenatal diagnoses was developed and launched on the market. |
| In 1999 |
the lung-marker system was developed and patented. This system is used in the pre-operative marking of interpulmonary, impalpable lung infiltrates. When this system is used, it becomes easier to find the smallest of lesions by means of minimal-invasive, endoscopic technology. |
| In 2000 |
in relation to pre-operative marking of impalpable, suspected mammary lesions, different localisation sets were developed, among others the correctable Duo-Localisation System, which prevents the wire from being dislocated from the tissue to be marked.
Patenting of the needle guide. During the course of the CT fluoroscopy, the needle guide reduces the patient’s and the user’s exposure to radiation. |
| In 2001 |
needles, cement and accessories were developed for Vertebroplasty. |
| In 2002 |
the new business premises were occupied in Teltow, Germany. On an overall surface area of 1,000 square metres products are developed and marketed; administrative offices are also located there. |
| In 2003 |
in order to expand our haemtological/oncological product line, a system was developed for bone marrow biopsies. The lock wire technology prevents the biopsates from being lost. The SAFE-CUT® design was patented. |
| In 2004 |
in order to further expand the company on an international basis, its name was changed to
SOMATEX® Medical Technologies GmbH.
The Cement Injection System (CIS®) was developed and patented. In order to further expand the product line related to vertebroplasty, a system for the simple and safe application of cement was developed, which was awarded a prize by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Potsdam in October 2004.
The mixing system for bone cement, SOMIX®, was developed and patented. The high quality and noticeable odour reduction permanently improve the work atmosphere.
The quality management system was certified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001:1994 / DIN EN ISO 13485: 2001. |
| In 2005 |
For a precise tissue marking the TUMARK® marker system was developed and patented.
For the bronchoscopically guided transbronchial needle aspiration the Broncho-Cut® was developed and patented. With Broncho-Cut® 1,0 it is possible to remove up to threefold the quantity of cytologically useful material compared to conventional systems. |
| "SOMATEX® achieved the quality seal "TOP 100" for its excellent innovative accomplishments." |
 |
| Foundation of a SOMATEX® OEM Division |
| The semi-automatic QUICK-SHOT® system was specifically developed for obtaining histologically usable tissue material from soft parts and organs. The QUICK-SHOT® product is characterized by a two-level system to withdraw biopsy material offering the surgeon the option of two different biopsy material quantities (12mm and 25mm). |
| The TULOC® instrument designed for the preoperative marking of tumours was newly developed for mammography purposes. Its monofilament wire has a very high pressure stability and allows usage even in cases of strong calcification. Due to the low frictional resistance of the wire in the cannula, TULOC® can be very smoothly operated and precisely positioned. |
| Registration of SOMATEX®-Products in Russia |
| In 2006 |
Innovation Award for Cement Injection System CIS® from Somatex |
| FDA approval for USA (Verteproplasty) |
| Needle Holder for Verteroplasty was developed |
The new generation of products for tumor marking was developed:
- Tumark® Professiona
- DUO-System PREMIUM
|
| 2007 |
Award of the German Chamber of commerce (IHK) for DUO-System PREMIUM
Radiation Protection for eye lenses and thyroids CT-Eye ProteX and CT-Gland ProteX were developed
The new Broncho-Cut Expert for transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) was developed
Soft drainage set ONE-STEP Flex and Short were developed |
