B D Schmit1, T A Stellato, J T Mortimer. 1. Applied Neural Control Laboratory, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-4912, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic stapling was found to be a viable option for attaching epimysial electrodes onto the abdominal surface of the diaphragm. Stapling was preferable to suturing due to its simplicity and speed. METHODS: Of the two staplers tested in this study, the Ethicon Endopath was preferred over the Autosuture Endo Hernia because the staples did not penetrate the diaphragm when an electrode tab thickness greater than 0.75 mm was used. RESULTS: The thickness of the electrode tab was an important factor in determining staple penetration but large variation in penetration depth indicated that other factors may also play a role. An electrode tab thickness of 1.0-1.25 mm was suggested to minimize the risk of diaphragm perforation. CONCLUSIONS: The histological reaction to staples implanted up to 14 months was unremarkable, reflecting the safety of laparoscopic staples for permanently anchoring electrodes on the diaphragm.
BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic stapling was found to be a viable option for attaching epimysial electrodes onto the abdominal surface of the diaphragm. Stapling was preferable to suturing due to its simplicity and speed. METHODS: Of the two staplers tested in this study, the Ethicon Endopath was preferred over the Autosuture Endo Hernia because the staples did not penetrate the diaphragm when an electrode tab thickness greater than 0.75 mm was used. RESULTS: The thickness of the electrode tab was an important factor in determining staple penetration but large variation in penetration depth indicated that other factors may also play a role. An electrode tab thickness of 1.0-1.25 mm was suggested to minimize the risk of diaphragm perforation. CONCLUSIONS: The histological reaction to staples implanted up to 14 months was unremarkable, reflecting the safety of laparoscopic staples for permanently anchoring electrodes on the diaphragm.