Background: Two sizes of endoscopic gastrointestinal anastomosis (Endo-GIA) staples are currently available for vascular control. The purpose of this study was to compare the Endo-GIA 30-2.0 mm with the Endo-GIA 30-2.5 mm vascular staple.
Methods: The renal blood vessels, aorta, and vena cava were divided laparoscopically using the Endo-GIA 30-2.0 and 30-2.5 mm in four pigs, respectively. The arterial and venous segments were harvested en bloc for ex vivo burst pressure studies.
Results: Both 2.0-mm and 2.5-mm staples achieved vessel sealing at supraphysiologic mean burst pressures (> or =310 mmHg). There were no statistical differences between mean burst pressures of vessels stapled by 2.0-mm compared to 2.5-mm staples. Both staples sealed arteries up to 17 mm and veins up to 22 mm in diameter.
Conclusion: Endo-GIA 30-2.0 mm and 30-2.5 mm vascular staples are equivalent in sealing vessels at supraphysiologic mean burst pressures.