New Miniature “Stapler” Device Enhances Robotic Surgery at Knapp Medical Center

High-tech device can operate through a small 8-millimeter opening; provides surgeons with another tool to minimize surgical cuts

WESLACO, December 2024 – A new miniature “stapler” device is enhancing minimally-invasive surgery in conjunction with a state-of-the-art da Vinci Xi surgical robot system at Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco.

The high-tech “8 mm da Vinci® SureForm® 30 Curved-Tip Stapler” is the latest tool that is helping surgeons to operate through smaller incisions, which can mean faster recovery times for patients, in many cases.

“This will help enhance patient outcomes and safety … for many patients, improved minimally-invasive techniques can mean less pain following major operations,” said Dr. Ernesto Garza, Jr., MD, FACS, FASMBS, General Surgeon with Mid Valley Surgeons in Weslaco.

In October, Dr. Garza performed the Mid-Valley’s first surgery using the new da Vinci Xi robot at Knapp Medical Center – with the patient able to go home the very same day.

Now, Knapp Medical Center has become the first hospital in the Rio Grande Valley to utilize the 8mm SureForm 30 curved tip stapler, with Dr. Garza recently using it during two appendectomy procedures.

Other benefits of minimally-invasive surgeries can include less loss of blood, less scarring, and less risk of infection, in some cases.

The new high-tech stapler device is used by surgeons to close large wounds or surgical cuts on the skin, and to connect parts of the body.

The stapler instrument is so small that it can fit through an 8-millimeter tube (cannula), which is inserted into a vein or body cavity to create an access point for surgical instruments. The opening is just a little over a quarter-inch in diameter (about 5/16ths of an inch).

The da Vinci® stapler can be used in various types of surgery, including general, thoracic, gynecologic, urologic, and pediatric surgery.

The stapling device was designed to help surgeons better visualize and reach parts of the body. The surgeon can maneuver and rotate the instrument through a small opening — allowing the surgeon to approach the body part needing surgery from the best possible angle, to position the device with more precision, and to minimize tension on surrounding tissue.

“Having an 8-mm diameter stapler option will give surgeons more choices to access the target anatomy,” Dr. Garza said. “This will be beneficial to the surgeon and patient, especially during complex procedures.”

Dr. Reinaldo Morales, MD, FACS, also a General Surgeon with Mid Valley Surgeons, noted that the new less-invasive surgical techniques can benefit many patients who live in the Mid-Valley area, since they don’t have to go outside of Weslaco (and therefore can stay close to their family support system).

The surgeon controls the robotic-assisted system at all times. The robotic system translates the surgeon’s hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside the patient’s body.

The da Vinci Xi robot also features a 3D-HD vision system, which provides surgeons with a highly-magnified view — virtually extending their eyes and hands into the patient.

For more information on robotic-assisted and other minimally-invasive surgical options, please contact your physician and visit www.KnappMed.org.

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