Johnson and Johnson introduces new Ethicon powered vascular stapler

Johnson and Johnson has announced that its subsidiary Ethicon has introduced a precise new powered vascular stapler called Echelon Flex.

Designed to provide greater precision and stability than currently available staplers for critical vessel transections, the device has the narrowest anvil of any stapler on the market, plus an articulating shaft and advanced placement tip to provide better visibility, navigation and precise placement.

Intended for use during thoracic and other procedures, including video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomies for lung cancer, the device was developed based on significant input from thoracic surgeons throughout the world.

The device made its market debut in the US at the end of last month after being featured at the Society of Thoracic Surgeons' 2015 annual meeting.

Michael del Prado, group chairman of Ethicon, said: "We are deeply committed to thoracic surgery and helping our customers around the world advance treatment through evidence-based solutions."

During 2014, the company generated a full-year sales total of $74.3 billion (48.6 billion pounds), up by 4.2 percent year on year.