Cardica has reported the completion of first surgical procedure in the US using its MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 cutting and stapling device.
Dr Juan-Carlos Verdeja has performed the first surgical procedure at West Kendall Baptist Hospital in Florida on March 3, 2014.
The MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 is claimed to be the only articulating 5mm surgical stapler available in the market with articulation up to 80 degrees and single-handed operation.
The MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 is a cartridge-based, minimally-invasive stapling system with a 5mm shaft diameter and cross sectional area significantly smaller than 12mm conventional staplers, and with greater articulation.
It is claimed to be the only articulating 5mm surgical stapler available in the market. The size and degree of articulation enhances the surgeon’s access and visualization at the surgical site.
Baptist Health South Florida medical director of emergency surgical services Dr Verdeja said the availability of the MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 in the US has been a long time coming.
"We have been waiting for a smaller stapler for decades and I believe having the MicroCutter at our disposal can change the way we perform some less invasive surgeries," Dr Verdeja added.
"The ability to use smaller and fewer access ports equates to less patient trauma, and improved articulation equates to more versatility. This appendectomy today was only one example of where I believe we will see the MicroCutter provide value. I am truly excited for our patients and the surgical community."
Earlier in January 2014, the company received the 510(k) clearance for MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 cutting/stapling device.