Instructions Of Types Of Surgical Staplers Used In Surgery

Evolution of Surgical Staplers

To grasp the significance of surgical staplers in modern medicine, it's essential to explore their evolution.

Ezisurg provides reliable and professional services.

In the early 1900s, pioneers in the medical field began experimenting with stapling devices. However, the initial designs were cumbersome and required significant time and effort for loading and unloading, leading to limited clinical applications. Continuous advancements and refinements by medical experts gradually brought staplers closer to practical use in surgery.

The turning point arrived when the American Surgical Corporation (USSC) unveiled the first widely accepted surgical stapler in the 1960s. The introduction of the Linear stapler TA (Thoracic-Abdominal) marked a significant leap forward. Following that, the debut of the Linear cutter GIA (Gastro-intestinal Anastomosis) occurred in 1975. In 1976, the EEA circular stapler (End-End Anastomosis) was also launched, establishing a new era in surgical methods. By the late 1980s, China’s surgical stapler manufacturers began to emerge in cities such as Jiangsu, Shanghai, Beijing, and Hangzhou, with innovations in gastrointestinal staplers. In the 2000s, USSC introduced an advanced generation of disposable plastic staplers, now frequently used in surgeries.

Fundamental Mechanism of Surgical Staplers

The operational principle of surgical staplers is comparable to that of a book-binding machine, hence the overarching term 'stapling device.' This instrument deploys two or three interlaced rows of staples into tissue, effectively cross-stitching it. The outcome of this stapling is robust and B-shaped.

Key components of a stapler include the staples, anvil, cartridge, staple driver, firing handle, positioning needle, knob, and marking ruler.

For further information, please explore our page on powered endoscopic stapler.

Categories and Applications of Surgical Staplers:

Name
Features
Application

TA (Thoracic-Abdominal)
Single-use linear stapler. It sutures in a straight line but does not cut tissue, requiring manual dissection by the operator.
Digestive tract reconstructions and closure of stumps or incisions during liver resection.

GIA (Gastro-intestinal Anastomosis)
Disposable linear cutting stapler. It simultaneously performs cutting and stapling and features adjustable openings with various length cartridges.
Used for various gastrointestinal operations, side-to-side intestinal anastomosis, lung resections, and more.

ENDO GIA (Endoscopic Gastro-intestinal Anastomosis)
Single-use endoscopic linear cutting stapler. Designed for procedures involving closure and cutting via endoscopy, with reloads that can adjust direction.
Facilitates closing gastrointestinal and intestinal tracts during endoscopic surgery and performs side-to-side anastomosis.

EEA (End-End Anastomosis)
Single-use circular stapler. Multiple variants available; selection is based on the diameter of the intestinal tract during surgical procedures.
Utilized for end-to-end anastomosis in gastrointestinal and esophageal surgeries.

Overview of the Article

For almost two centuries, surgeons have utilized mechanical devices to connect tissues, promoting their healing process. Presently, surgical staplers have become indispensable tools in surgical procedures. They allow for rapid closure of wounds, thereby reducing the duration of surgery. When compared to traditional sutures, stapling often provides better cosmetic results. However, it is associated with a higher rate of complications and extended hospital stays.

Surgical staplers can be categorized into five major types: circular, linear, linear cutting, ligating, and skin staplers. Additionally, modern adaptations have emerged to suit minimally invasive procedures. Each category encompasses a range of commercial variants, each defined by unique features. These staplers have diverse names, color-coded functions, and are available in various lengths and tissue thicknesses, serving specific purposes in surgical applications. The selection of staplers is greatly influenced by the diverse characteristics of human tissues. Adequate time must be allocated for tissue compression, which facilitates elongation of the compressed tissue while minimizing potential tearing risks.

This informational video seeks to offer a thorough understanding of stapling instruments and their applications. Initially, we discuss skin staplers, typically made from titanium alloys with minimal tissue reactivity. The sizing of skin staples, like 35R for regular and 35W for wide, is vital, as their deployment aims to approximate tissues without strangulation. The next section covers intraoperative staplers, frequently employed on structures like the cystic duct and homonymous artery during gallbladder surgeries. Laparoscopic procedures utilize clip appliers featuring digital displays. For procedures involving side-to-side gastrointestinal anastomoses, or partial resections of the lung and liver, surgeons may use the gastrointestinal anastomosis (GIA) stapler, which places two rows of staples while cutting in between.

Linear staplers are typically designed for reuse. Variants exist with and without cutting capabilities, which influences their surgical applications, such as digestive tract reconstructions or incisions during liver resection. A linear stapler features a handle opposite its jaw. Surgeons manipulate the jaw via this handle to apply staples. Every trigger of the stapler fires a new row of staples into the tissue. The reloads for linear staplers are distinguished by color coding based on their specific uses: white for vascular applications, blue for regular tissues, and green for thicker tissues.

End-to-end anastomosis (EEA) circular staplers are designated for specific tasks such as performing end-to-end anastomoses. In contrast to reusable models, EEA staplers are single-use devices, disposed of after application. These staplers effectively join two hollow organs, creating a stapled anastomosis. For endoscopic surgeries, Endo GIA staplers offer versatility. Available in various lengths, and color-coded units, they enable surgeons to manipulate and activate the device through trocars, making them exceptionally valuable in minimally invasive surgical contexts.

In summary, surgical staplers encompass a wide array of instruments, each tailored for specific surgical requirements. From closing skin wounds to establishing gastrointestinal anastomoses, each stapler is meticulously designed to meet unique needs. It is essential for surgical teams to comprehend the characteristics and functions of various staplers to adeptly manage the intricacies involved in utilizing these devices.

Skills Essential for the Operating Room Series

Explore the rest of the series below:

Feel free to contact us for a discussion about your requirements regarding manual endoscopic stapler. Our knowledgeable sales team is ready to assist you in identifying the best options for your needs.