Geoffrey John Brown

An endoscopic stapling device: the development of a new flexible endoscopically controlled device for placing multiple transmural staples in gastrointestinal tissue.

Figure 2. The mechanism of the endoscopic stapling device. A, A fold of tissue is sucked into the cavity of the stapler. B, The tissue is compressed to an optimal thickness prior to stapling. C, The staple rammers force the staples through the tissue onto shaped anvils that bend the staples into a B configuration. 0, A spring opens the cavity to allow the stapled tissue to slide out of the stapling device. Note: This diagram has been simplified to show the closure of only two staples. In the device, the staples were arranged in an overlapping double layer forming a semicircle 1 mm from the outer circumference of the stapler. Received October 14, 1988. Accepted December 24, 1988. From the Departments of Medical Physics and Bioengineering, University College Hospital, and Gastroenterology, The London Hospital, London, England. Reprint requests: C. Paul Swain, MD, Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering, University College Hospital, Shropshire House, 11-20 Capper Street, London WC1E 6JA, England. DESCRIPTION OF THE STAPLER AND ITS MECHANISM