Ethicon Endo-Surgery yesterday announced its new Echelon Flex 45 Endopath Stapler, designed for use with 45mm staple lines. While a version of the device with a 60mm staple line is already available, the new device is of particular interest because 45mm staple lines are the most commonly used length in laparoscopic surgery.
From the press release:
The company’s Echelon Flex™ Endopath® Staplers deliver system-wide compression, natural articulation and optimal staple formation in a variety of tissue thickness. Endocutters are used to cut and staple tissue in a variety of surgical procedures.
Compression is a critical factor in successful surgical stapling. Prior to stapling, applying compression over time exudes fluid from tissue, which helps ensure a more consistent thickness in the targeted tissue. After tissue is compressed, it is ready to accommodate a securely closed staple. Proper staple formation is necessary to achieve a leak-proof and hemostatic staple line. A staple is considered malformed when the legs of the staple do not close properly after deployment.
Press release: Ethicon Endo-Surgery to Introduce New Echelon(TM) Flex 45 Endopath(R) Stapler for System-Wide Compression and Natural Articulation…