Medtronic plc , a global leader in healthcare technology, has announced the limited launch of the Signia™ Circular Stapler with Tri-Staple™ technology. The new system gives surgeons the first intelligent circular stapling option throughout the alimentary tract for the creation of end-to-end, end-to-side, and side-to-side anastomoses in both open and laparoscopic surgeries. It combines powered and intelligent clamping with improved perfusion of the staple line, as well as reducing stress on tissue during compression and clamping. The Signia Circular Stapler has also received regulatory market authorization in major markets globally, including the United States, Western Europe and Japan. 

With over 6,000 staplers used in ORs across the US every day, Signia™ stapler brings intelligence to one of the most important parts of surgery. Circular staplers are commonly used in colorectal resection surgery, a procedure that is standard treatment for colon cancer and the main treatment for rectal cancer. When the two ends of the colon are not sealed properly, an anastomotic leak can occur, and gastrointestinal contents of the gut can leak out of the wound site, increasing the risk of a serious infection. Anastomotic leaks can occur in up to 19% of these procedures. 

The Signia™ Circular stapler is the only circular stapler in the market that allows for integrated leak testing and provides greater leak reduction. Other differentiated features include: 

• Up to 53% less distal tip motion during clamping and firing.
• 88% reduction in waste per procedure thanks to its universal, reusable handle.

"The Signia™ Circular stapler brings a new level of precision and confidence to the OR," said Krista Sugerman, vice president & general manager, Core Surgical Innovations, which is part of the Medtronic Medical Surgical Portfolio. "This technology helps standardize performance, improve efficiency, reduce variation, and ultimately supports better patient outcomes. It’s also a vital step toward building a complete and connected OR, where intelligent instruments work together across digital and robotics platforms to support improved patient outcomes.”

The Signia™ Circular stapler integrates the Medtronic Tri-Staple™ and Adaptive Compression™ technologies to monitor and adjust the amount of compression that is being applied, which may prevent the user from over-compressing and damaging tissue. Less tissue compression from the powered intelligence of the Signia™ Circular stapler can reduce hematoma formation by as much as 80%. It also has been shown to provide up to 164% improved perfusion into the staple line.

“We are excited to bring the Tri-Staple™ technology that many surgeons have come to rely on in our Signia™ linear staplers to procedures that require circular staplers, such as colorectal resection,” said Dr Matthew Kroh, chief medical officer, Core Surgical Innovations at Medtronic. “With superior performance, intelligent feedback, and a unique set of features that enable greater perfusion and more protection against leaks, surgeons can now rely on the Signia™ circular stapler to deliver a confident staple line.”