Medtronic’s Signia Stapling System for minimally invasive surgery

Dublin, Ireland – Delivering on its commitment to develop and expand minimally invasive surgery (MIS) technologies and capabilities, Medtronic plc officials announced the launch of its Signia Stapling System. The latest addition to the company's MIS portfolio, the Signia system provides surgeons with real-time feedback¹ and automated responses to that real-time data.

The Signia system includes Adaptive Firing technology that measures the firing force and adjusts the stapler's speed based on tissue variability measurements, allowing for consistent staple lines^2,3. Human tissue differs in thickness throughout the body and its organ systems. For example, tissue is thinnest at the top of the stomach and thickest at the bottom of the stomach near the small intestine⁴. Adaptive Firing technology can detect the variability of tissue and automatically adjust the stapler's speed during MIS procedures; this allows surgeons to fire staples consistently and evenly^2,3. The Signia system also offers surgeons one-handed staple firing, allowing them to free up their other hand and stay focused on the surgical site⁵.

"In my experience to date, I believe the articulation, rotation and firing of the Signia system provides an important new option in the performance of minimally invasive surgical procedures," says Dana Portenier, M.D., FACS, co-program director, Duke Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Fellowship division chief, Duke Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery Duke Regional Hospital, chairman of surgery. "Its ability to provide the surgeon with helpful data and real-time response has the potential to contribute to more informed surgical decision-making."

"The Signia system is a first-of-its-kind stapling system and represents our commitment to pioneering intelligence-based minimally invasive surgical solutions," says Chris Barry, senior vice president and president of the Surgical Innovations business, which is part of the Minimally Invasive Therapies Group at Medtronic. "Ultimately, healthcare should help patients get better, faster with less pain; MIS delivers on that commitment."

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The benefits of MIS procedures are well documented. MIS is less invasive than traditional open surgery and can be used in multiple surgical procedure areas including thoracic, bariatric, colorectal and gynecological. The Signia system is launching initially in the United States, Western Europe, and Japan. It is expected to roll out to additional global geographies during the company's fiscal year 2018.

About Medtronic
Medtronic plc, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is among the world's largest medical technology, services and solutions companies – alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more than 88,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals and patients in approximately 160 countries. The company is focused on collaborating with stakeholders around the world to take healthcare Further, Together.

^{1 Based on internal test report #RE00024826, Signia(TM) stapling system summative usability report, January 2016.}

^{2 Based on internal test report #R2146-151-0, Powered Stapling Firing Speed DOE Analysis and ASA Parameters, 2015.}

^{3 Based on internal test report #R2146-173-0, ASA Verification Testing with Slow Speed Force Limit Evaluation, 2015.}

^{4 Elariny H, González H, Wang B. 24. Tissue thickness of human stomach measured on excised gastric specimens from obese patients. Surg Technol Int. 2005; 14:119-124.}

^{5 Based on internal test report #RE00024826. Signia(TM) Stapling System Summative Usability Report, Rev A, January 2016.}

Source: Medtronic