Powered Stapler Facilitates Open Surgery procedures

An angled powered stapling system provides precision, control, access, and visibility during open surgical procedures.

The iDrive battery powered stapling system is a reusable stapling platform that enables one-handed pushbutton operation of all primary controls, and a reduction in the required firing force when compared to traditional mechanical surgical staplers. The system includes a multipatient reusable powered handle, which consists of two high-speed brushless motors, an 8 MHz microcontroller, and two multicolor light emitting diode (LED) indicator lights. It is powered by the iDrive battery pack, a rechargeable16.8-Volt lithium ion battery that must be inserted into the powered handle using an aseptic technique, and is capable of 300 recharge cycles during life.


With the push of a single button, the handle's high-speed brushless motor delivers 41 kg of firing force to the single-use reload right-angle linear cutter (RALC), which combines stapling and cutting functionality. When fired, the RALC deploys 32 titanium staples in two double-staggered rows at an angle that is perpendicular to a curved shaft, while an integrated knife bisects the underlying tissue. This geometry helps gain deeper access to, and better visibility within, the pelvis during low anterior resections. The iDrive battery powered stapling system is a product of Covidien (New Haven, CT, USA), and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"The iDrive system is a reusable platform that can safely and reliably serve the needs of patients, while improving operating room inventory management efficiencies and reducing medical waste generated from disposable products,” said Richard Toselli, MD, chief medical officer of surgical devices at Covidien.

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