Three new products are designed to help address the unique challenges of bariatric procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass.

The Echelon Flex Gripping Surface Technology (GST) System includes the Echelon Flex Powered Plus Stapler and Endopath Echelon GST reloads, and is designed to address tissue slippage during firing. In testing, the system resulted in 4-times less tissue slippage, which may eliminate one reload per procedure; less tissue slippage during firing can also provide reliable staple formation across a range of tissue thicknesses with each reload. Tissue slippage during firing may cause poor staple formation and lead to leakage, bleeding, or tissue “milking” out of the device, requiring clinical intervention and additional reloads.

The new 45-cm long ENSEAL G2 Articulating Tissue Sealer for bariatric surgery is an advanced bipolar energy device designed to enable a perpendicular approach to cutting and sealing vessels and lymphatics of up to 7 mm in diameter through a 5 mm port. Since the device can bend to provide greater control over the angle of approach, it is easier for surgeons to access difficult to reach deeper anatomy and provide better access. Vessels sealed with a perpendicular approach are also 28% stronger than vessels sealed at a 45 degree angle.

The Harmonic ACE+7 Shears with advanced hemostasis is available in 36- and 45-cm lengths for bariatric surgery, is the only purely ultrasonic energy device with a 7-mm vessel sealing indication. In addition to bariatric surgery, the Harmonic ACE+7 may be used in a wide range of procedures and specialties including general, colorectal, bariatric, gynecology, thoracic, and urology. All three products are manufactured by Ethicon Endo-Surgery (Ethicon; Cincinnati, OH, USA).

“Our science-based portfolio for obesity and metabolic diseases is among the most comprehensive in the industry, and we continue to bring forward innovations that fill clinical needs and advance patient care,” said Michael del Prado, Ethicon Group chairman. “In addition, we remain committed to supporting long-term research that contributes to a greater understanding of the value and role of metabolic and bariatric surgery in treating obesity and related metabolic diseases worldwide.”

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Ethicon Endo-Surgery