Launched globally in June 2000, the system would enable the surgeon to take full control of equipment used in the latest surgical treatments by the touch of a finger.

The company has launched two products viz Karl Storz Communication Bus (SCB) and Karl Storz Advanced Image and Data Archiving System (AIDA) costing Rs 7 lakh and Rs 2.6 lakhs, respectively.

"The need for the system is on account of surgery undergoing major change, using telescope and video camera. It also keeps away the risk of infection," Karl Storz Endoscopy (India) managing director Peter Laser said.

The equipment is manufactured at three sites - two in Germany and one in US and attracts an import duty of around 15 per cent, Mr Laser said.

The company expects to sell around 100 units of SCB and around 200 units of AIDA in a year's time, Mr Laser said. The Indian subsidiary is also well equipped to provide the after sale service, he added. The company is anticipating volumes of 8-10 systems by March 31, 2000 in the Mumbai Hospitals.

The SCB enables the surgeons to operate their endoscopic equipment from the sterile area and monitor its functioning at a glance during the operation.