Evaluation of setup by nurses of a novel click and go staple line reinforcement system

Background: Staple line reinforcement (SLR) is used by surgeons to increase staple line strength and improve peri-operative haemostasis.However, currently marketed buttress materials require special attention in attachment to the staple anvil and cartridge and may come loose causing slipping, twisting, sliding and or bunching during manoeuvring of stapling procedures.Objective: We conducted research with surgical scrub nurses to understand the impact of the recently developed ECHELON ENDOPATH™ SLR on ease of set up and application compared to the current available materials.Methods: Twenty-nine (29) scrub / circulating nurses were given simulated loading exercises, which included loading the current brand(s) of SLR they use as well as the ECHELON ENDOPATH™ SLR.Each product was loaded two times.The process was evaluated for number of steps and measured for time and buttress attachment difficulties followed by questions on loading the buttress and waste. Results:The ECHELON ENDOPATH™ SLR takes significantly less time to load versus Seamguard® or Peri-Strips Dry (median of 17.9 s vs. 80.9 s and 78.0 s, respectively, p<0.001).The ECHELON ENDOPATH™ SLR was assessed as having half the median number of steps required to load versus either Seamguard or Peri-Strips Dry.100% of the survey responses agreed that 'compared to the loading of competitive products, the ECHELON ENDOPATH™ SLR is more efficient.' Conclusion:The new buttress material comes with material affixed across the anvil and cartridge face of the stapler and maintains coverage during manipulations, set-up time was significantly reduced, and nurses felt the product was easier to load.