Robotic Stapler is the next big evolution of Surgical Staplers

Surgical staplers are specialized staplers used in surgery in place of sutures to perform anastomosis in an efficient and sterile manner. Since their development in 1908, innovations in surgical staplers have come a long way. The earlier models designed for open surgeries were bulky and large in size. While maintaining the basic principles implemented in the original design, the surgical stapler has continued to evolve.

About Robotic Stapler

With the advent of minimally-invasive surgeries, linear and lightweight laparoscopic staplers were developed for narrow openings and could quickly cut and seal tissue and blood vessels. The modern-day staplers come with different height and weight options empowering surgeons with the ability to choose the stapler that is most suited to the surgical procedure.

The advanced staplers are equipped with a variety of features that serve particular purposes. The enhanced features include a better angle of articulation, ergonomic design, durability, and other functional features. These features are very significant in deciding the choice of staplers for a particular surgical procedure to minimize the complications like bleedings and leakage during anastomosis. The latest innovation in surgical staplers is the robotic surgical stapler by Intuitive, SureForm™.

These staplers come equipped with an integrated software called SmartFire technology. With the ability to do 1,000+ measurements per second, the SmartFire technology makes automatic adjustments to the firing process as staplers are being formed and as the transection is being made to help optimize a consistent staple line and prevent tissue damage across a range of tissue thicknesses.

The robotic stapler offers stability with the da Vinci’s tremor filtration and 120 degree of articulation which is greater than that of the human wrist enabling precise stapler manipulation and placement. This provides surgeons the freedom to approach tissue where it naturally lies, reducing the need to pull it towards the stapler.

Furthermore, surgical procedures such as colorectal resection, video-assisted thoracic surgical (VATS) lobectomy, esophagectomy, and bariatric surgery have seen better patient outcomes using robotic staplers. The assessment of tissue thickness with the SmartFire technology helps minimize errors caused during the stapling process.

Especially in the procedures carried out on the bronchus, colon, rectum, lobectomy, gastric and esophagectomy, and bariatric surgery, the anastomosis is safe and efficient with fewer staples.

Use of Robotic Stapler

Since the robotic stapler is integrated with the surgeon console on the daVinci surgical system, the integrated robotic stapler provides the surgeon with complete control for performing anastomosis, which previously required assistance from the care team. Therefore, the robotic stapler eliminates the problems of malfunction, bleeding, improper angle of firing, and delay.

The best surgical stapler outcomes are aimed at minimizing the trauma, maintaining adequate blood supply, preventing tension while ensuring minimum tissue resection and leakage-free anastomosis. The technology will benefit the procedures across the surgical spectrum, especially VATS, low-rectal, gastric cancer and esophageal surgeries.

It has been observed that using the correct stapling technique for anastomosis minimizes the tissue healing time and also has cosmetic benefits. Transitioning from manual stapler to robotic stapler requires appropriate training. In order to facilitate a smooth transition for the surgeon, reference material and videos are provided for initial reading and viewing by Intuitive. This is followed up with a half-day training program organized by the company at their established training centers.

Additionally, the use of these robotic staplers improves patient outcomes as there is a lesser number of incisions on the body, especially in procedures like esophagectomy. Therefore, for the patient that undergoes a robotic-assisted surgery, the true minimally-invasive treatment experience translates into lower complications, faster recovery, and better quality of life.

Therefore, the benefits of the robotic surgical staplers with the SmartFire technology have made RAS more acceptable to surgeons who are looking to use the latest surgical technology available globally. Finally, the latest Robotic Stapler aids the ease of operation for surgeons and better outcomes for Patient.

The article was first seen on https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/

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