TransEnterix has reported that the first human cases have been performed using its recently launched Spider flex ligating shears, an advanced energy device designed to deliver full flexibility to the surgeon while offering ligation and division with direct thermal energy in various laparoscopic surgical procedures.
The sleeve gastrectomy procedures have been performed by Dr Andrew Hargroder, a general and bariatric surgeon in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, using the Spider flex ligating shears.
According to Dr Hargroder, the Spider flex ligating shears has not created plume to impair visualization, sealed tissue extremely well, and appeared to minimize thermal spread.
TransEnterix president and CEO Todd M Pope noted that the company now offers the only advanced energy device that completely articulates 360 degrees to provide optimal access to surgeons within the operating field, while competing technologies offer limited or no articulation.
"With the SPIDER Flex Ligating Shears, we can offer surgeons the ability to attain precise angles when cutting and dividing tissue in a laparoscopic procedure," Pope added.
The Spider flex ligating shears was designed to use with the TransEnterix’s existing Spider surgical system. The device obtained 510(k) approval from the US Food and Drug Administration.
TransEnterix is planning to offer a similar device in the future for its SurgiBot system, a new patient-side robotic surgery system currently under development.
Image: Hand instruments for a laparoscopic operation. Photo: Courtesy of Ignis