Novel Devices for Weight Loss Surgery

New, longer instruments have been developed for use in minimally invasive weight-loss surgery for the clinically obese. Following bariatric surgery, patients can lose on average more than 50% of their excess body weight.

The novel instruments include a surgical stapler and an access device, designed to meet the specific needs of surgeons performing minimally invasive surgery in larger patients. For example, the VersaStep Long access port can reduce tissue trauma by using radial tissue expansion rather than tissue cutting to provide access to the inside of the patient's body. Similarly, the Universal XL stapler combines its components in a longer delivery package. The new instruments were developed by the Auto Suture division of United States Surgical (Norwalk, CT, USA), a leading manufacturer of surgery products.

"By using the new tools from Auto Suture, I can gain better access to certain critical areas that must be reached during the procedure,” said Dr. Philip Schauer, director of bariatric surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (PA, USA). "The Endo GIA Universal XL, with its extended length, is particularly helpful in laparoscopic gastric bypass in the largest patients, who often exhibit a great distance from the access port to the stomach.”




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