Novel Stapler Provides a More Secure Hold on Tissue

A powered endocutter stapler and reload system provides better gripping technology, minimizing tissue slippage during firing.

The Echelon Flex Gripping Surface Technology (GST) system is designed to maximize the stability of a powered firing proprietary by using a ridged surface that provides an atraumatic grip to hold the tissue in place. The ridged surface provides uniform closed staple height and exceptional staple line integrity across a range of tissue thicknesses resulting in more consistent staple formation, targeted tissue transection with each firing, and 88% less movement at the end effector (when compared to Endo GIA Reloads with Tri-Staple technology).


Other features include uniform compression with 3-point gap control; a greater articulation angle to help access transection sites that are difficult to reach; and the ability to grasp, hold, and manipulate tissue without the use of a second device. The combined benefits also reduce the risk of bleeding and decrease trauma to adjacent tissue. The Echelon Flex GST system is a product of Ethicon (Somerville, NJ, USA), and is intended for bariatric, colorectal, and thoracic procedures.

“Surgeons have long needed a stapling solution that enables reliable performance and staple line security without potential risk of additional tissue trauma, particularly in bariatric surgery procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy, where they may encounter an unexpected variance in tissue thickness,” said Elliott Fegelman, MD, senior medical director at Ethicon. “The exciting aspect of the Echelon Flex GST System is that you now have optimal compression integrated with better grasping during the firing sequence.”

Tissue movement or slippage during staple firing can result in poorly formed and spaced staples, as well as the need for extra firings to complete the intended tissue transection.

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