Covidien, a provider of healthcare products and surgical stapling applications, has received the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance for the iDrive Powered Stapling System.
The reusable stapling platform is battery-powered, enabling one-handed push-button operation of all primary controls and a reduction in the required firing force when compared to traditional endomechanical surgical staplers.
The iDrive system also incorporates design features intended to minimise the effect on the environment by scaling back the size of hospital inventories and reducing medical waste.
The iDrive system consists of the powered handle, a rechargeable battery-powered, multi-patient reusable, hand-held stapler and the right-angle linear cutter (RALC), which is single-use reload, combining stapling and cutting functionality.
Covidien Endomechanical Devices franchise vice president Devices Ralph Corradi said the clearance of the iDrive system launches a new era of intelligent devices that deliver superior ergonomics and improved access.
"Covidien will lead the evolution of the intelligent surgical tools category by advancing innovative products that improve patient outcomes, reduce costs and offer environmentally-friendly benefits," Corradi said.