Short Overview

The ECHELON FLEX™ and ECHELON ENDOPATH™ families of endoscopic linear cutters and reloads are intended for transection, resection, and/or creation of anastomoses. The ECHELON FLEX™ and ECHELONENDOPATH™ families of endoscopic linear cutters and reloads are sterile, single-patient-use instruments that simultaneously cut and staple tissue. There are six staggered rows of staples, three on either side of the cut line.

The 45 mm instruments have a staple line that is approximately 45 mm long and a cut line that is approximately 42 mm long.

The 60 mm instruments have a staple line that is approximately 60 mm long and a cut line that is approximately 57 mm long.

The shaft can rotate freely in both directions and an articulation mechanism on articulating instruments enables bending the distal portion of the shaft to facilitate lateral access of the operative site. The instruments are shipped without a reload and must be loaded prior to use. A staple retaining cap on there load protects the staple leg points during shipping and transportation.

The instruments’ lockout feature is designed to prevent a used reload from being refired. The staples are permanent implants that retain their functionality during the early and critical phases of healing which occur within the first 7–10 days. Tissue healing continues over a longer period of time with a majority of it complete by 21–28 days (remodeling phase). Following the remodeling phase, the staples remain in the patient for their lifetime, unless in the opinion of a treating physician they require removal.