A Novel, Easy-to-Use Staple Line Reinforcement for Surgical Staplers.

Background: Staple line reinforcement (SLR) is a popular tool used by surgeons to increase staple line strength and improve peri-operative hemostasis. However, currently marketed buttress materials require special attention in attachment to the staple anvil and cartridge and may come loose during typical maneuvering of stapling procedures. We have evaluated a new SLR that has an attachment material that affixes buttress across the entire anvil and cartridge face to prevent slipping, twisting, sliding and/or bunching.

Preclinical quantification of air leaks in a physiologic lung model: effects of ventilation modality and staple design.

Purpose: Thoracic air leaks are a common complication following pulmonary resections. Limitations in clinical studies and preclinical models have hindered efforts to understand the pathophysiology of air leaks. With an emphasis on staple-line specific air leaks, we hypothesize that ventilation modality - intraoperative positive pressure vs postoperative negative pressure - and stapler design may play a role in air leaks.