Surgical stapler increases staple line security, reduces complications

April 7, 2021

Ethicon, part of the Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies, announced the global launch of the ECHELON+ Stapler with GST Reloads, a new powered surgical stapler designed to increase staple line security and reduce complications through more uniform tissue compression and better staple formation, even in challenging situations.  

The ECHELON+ Stapler is the latest addition to the company’s market-leading ECHELON Powered Stapler portfolio. The portfolio has been associated with improved clinical and economic outcomes including fewer bleeding complications, reduced hospital costs and improved efficiency across, procedures, patient populations and countries in large-scale retrospective studies. 

A reengineered ECHELON+ Anvil, that with Gripping Surface Technology (GST) Reloads, is designed for more uniform compression to better capture and form staples, as well as a new motor with Dynamic Firing, which optimizes firing speed in thick tissue to enhance compression and improve audible feedback. In recent benchtop testing, the ECHELON+ Stapler outperformed Medtronic’s Signia and EndoGIA Staplers with Tri-Staple Reloads providing better staple formation and reducing leaks at the staple line. 

Despite recent advances in surgical stapling technology, perioperative complications persist across specialties. Complications are driven primarily by postoperative anastomotic leaks and bleeding-related complications which may occur in up to 12% of colorectal resections and in 2% to 10% of lobectomies, respectively. 

Johnson & Johnson has the release