Johnson & Johnson’s Ethicon business has launched what is being called the industry’s first powered circular stapler. Somerville, NJ-based Ethicon’s Echelon Circular Powered stapler was developed to help address anastomotic leaking, a serious complication associated with colorectal, gastric, and thoracic surgery

The company said Echelon reduces leaks by 61% when compared to Dublin-based Medtronic’s DST Series EEA Stapler.

Echelon Circular’s one-finger push-button firing reduces force to fire by 97% and delivers 37% less movement at the distal tip for increased stability, Ethicon said. By significantly reducing force to fire and increasing stability, the advanced stapling device standardizes performance and helps minimize variation in usage, which may lead to improved outcomes.

Ethicon’s device combines 3D Stapling Technology that evenly distributes compression and Gripping Surface Technology, which provides gentler handling to reduce compressive forces on tissues. Together these technologies significantly reduce leaks at the staple line without compromising perfusion, which includes the passage of fluid through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

In a release, Tom O’Brien, Worldwide President Endomechanical Ethicon, said the company “looks at the entire surgical experience for opportunities to enhance patient outcomes, increase patient satisfaction and reduce the cost to healthcare systems. We then bring together our latest science, technology, and evidence to create surgical solutions like Echelon Circular Powered Stapler. We are relentless in our pursuit of surgical solutions to the most complex and challenging surgical problems and focus on delivering those solutions that deliver the best outcomes in real-world clinical settings.”