surgical staplers are staples used to suture abdominal gastrointestinal tissues. They are generally made of titanium alloy. They are the most commonly used because they have little impact on tissues and are easy to shape. The staplers are installed inside the stapler head of the surgical stapler. They are consumables that can be replaced at any time, similar to staplers. After the suture is completed, the stapler is taken away, while the staplers remain in the body forever.
How do surgical staplers and staples work?
The working principle of various staplers and anastomosis devices is the same as that of staplers, so they are collectively called Staplers: that is, two rows of staggered staples are fired and implanted into the tissue to perform double-row cross-stapling of the tissue, which is tight and prevents leakage; because small blood vessels can pass through the gaps of the "B"-shaped staples, it does not affect the blood supply to the suture and its distal end. All staples are made of titanium or tantalum, which has less tissue reaction than manual sutures. Since the staples are arranged neatly and at equal intervals, the tightness of the suture is controlled by a ruler, which avoids manual sutures that are too sparse or too dense and ligatures that are too tight or too loose, thus ensuring good tissue healing.
Various staplers and staplers are designed with main components such as nail drills, nail boxes, nail magazines, staple drivers, firing handles, positioning needles, knobs and marking rulers to achieve the suturing of type B staples. In order to remove excess tissue and create circular end-to-end anastomosis and side-to-side anastomosis, various knives such as circular knives and push knives are also equipped. These components are used according to certain operating procedures to ensure that the tissue suture anastomosis is completed quickly and accurately.
Basic principles of suturing
1. Ensure good suture of the wound surface or wound. Suturing should be carried out in layers and sutured according to the anatomical layers of the tissue to make the tissue layers tight, do not involve or sew into other tissues, do not leave residual cavities, and prevent fluid accumulation, blood accumulation and infection. The distance between the wound edge and the distance between the needles must be uniform, so that it looks beautiful. More importantly, the force and the shared tension are consistent and the suture is tight to prevent leakage.
2. Pay attention to the tension at the suture. The tightness of the ligature suture should be based on the close contact of the incision edges. It should not be too tight. In other words, the early or late healing of the incision and the quality are not completely proportional to the tightness. Too tight or too loose can lead to poor healing. When the wound has tension, tension-reducing sutures should be performed. If the wound defect is too large, flap repair or skin grafting can be considered.
3. The selection of sutures and suture needles should be appropriate. After debridement and disinfection and cleaning, sterile incisions or lightly contaminated wounds can use silk thread. Infected or severely contaminated wounds can use absorbable sutures. The corresponding type of non-damaging needles should be selected for vascular anastomosis.
what should you pay attention to when purchasing surgical staplers?
When purchasing surgical staplers, several factors should be taken into account to ensure safety, efficiency, and compatibility with the specific surgical needs. Here's a guide on what to pay attention to:
1. Type of Surgical Stapler
Manual vs. Powered: Decide between manual staplers, which require hand force to operate, or powered staplers, which can provide consistent pressure and may reduce fatigue during long surgeries.
Reusable vs. Disposable: Reusable staplers can be sterilized and used again, while disposable ones are meant for a single use. Consider cost-effectiveness and sterility needs.
2. Intended Use and Specialty
Specific Procedures: Staplers are designed for different procedures, such as gastrointestinal, thoracic, or skin surgeries. Ensure the stapler is compatible with the type of surgery you're performing.
Tissue Type: Consider the tissue thickness and whether the stapler is designed for it. Some staplers are better suited for delicate tissue, while others are meant for tougher areas.
3. Staple Design and Material
Staple Size and Shape: Choose staplers with appropriate staple sizes and shapes for the procedure. The staple must be able to close the tissue securely without damaging it.
Material Composition: Staples can be made from stainless steel, titanium, or absorbable materials. Titanium is often preferred due to its biocompatibility, while absorbable staples may be ideal for internal use.
4. Adjustability and Versatility
Anvil Height Adjustment: Some staplers offer adjustable heights for the anvil to accommodate varying tissue thicknesses.
Articulation: Look for staplers that offer flexibility in articulation angles, especially for surgeries in hard-to-reach areas.
5. Precision and Performance
Cutting and Stapling Consistency: Ensure the device is known for delivering consistent results in terms of cutting and stapling in a single motion.
Minimizing Complications: Some staplers may have advanced features that help reduce common complications, such as tissue damage, incomplete closure, or staple line leaks.
6. Ease of Use and Ergonomics
Handle Comfort: Consider how comfortable the stapler is to hold, especially if it will be used for extended periods.
Loading and Reloading: Easy-to-load staplers with reliable reloading mechanisms can help avoid delays during surgery.
7. Reliability and Safety Features
Tissue Retraction Mechanism: Some staplers feature mechanisms to prevent accidental tissue damage or misfiring.
Safety Lock or Indicator: Look for safety locks that prevent premature firing or indicators that show when the stapler is ready for use.
8. Brand Reputation and Reviews
Manufacturer’s Track Record: Research the brand’s history in producing surgical instruments, focusing on reliability, innovation, and customer support.
User Reviews and Recommendations: Feedback from surgeons and institutions can offer valuable insight into the pros and cons of specific models.
9. Regulatory Approvals
FDA or CE Approval: Ensure that the stapler is approved by regulatory bodies such as the U.S. FDA or Europe’s CE mark to verify compliance with safety and performance standards.
10. Cost and Availability of Accessories
Cost of Staples and Reloads: Consider the ongoing cost of the staple cartridges and other accessories.
Compatibility: Ensure that staple reloads are readily available and compatible with the stapler system you're purchasing.