Ethicon ECHELON FLEX User manual

2. Ensure the staple retaining cap is present during loading to minimize the potential
for premature sled movement, which could lead to inadvertent lockout.
Loading the device
ECHELON FLEX™ Powered & Powered Plus Staplers
Optimized Device Performance Guide
Proper reload selection: Tissue thickness should be carefully evaluated prior to using the instrument. Refer to the Reload Product Codes Chart, located in the Instructions for Use,
for proper reload selection. Selection of the appropriate staple reload should be based upon the combined thickness of both the tissue and the staple line reinforcement material.
4. Remove the staple retaining cap by lifting it straight up and discard.
5. Observe the surface of the new reload to ensure no drivers are visible and that the
reload lies flat in the jaw channel.
For complete product details, see Instructions for Use.
1. Position the instrument around the tissue to be stapled. When closing the device, ensure that the tissue lies flat and is positioned properly between the jaws. Any “bunching” of
tissue along the reload, particularly in the crotch of the jaws, may result in an incomplete staple line or inadvertent lockout. Holding the jaws in place for 15 seconds after closing
and prior to firing may result in better compression and staple formation.
Device closure
3. Insert the reload by sliding it against the bottom of the reload jaw until the
stapler alignment tab stops in the reload alignment slot of the jaw. Positioning
the reload at the bottom of the reload jaw could prevent inadvertent sled
movement and lockout.
1. Verify that the reload size matches the instrument size being used (e.g. use 60mm
reload with 60mm stapler).

For complete product details, see Instructions for Use.
©2017 Ethicon US, LLC. All rights reserved. 019926-170815
Opening the jaws
1. Ensure the knife is in the home position by observing the knife blade indicator
under the cartridge jaw.
2. To open the jaws, first squeeze the closing trigger, and then simultaneously push
the anvil release button on the side of the device. Maintaining pressure on the anvil
release button, slowly release the closing trigger.
2. Battery: Remove and re-install the battery to check that it is securely installed and
that the device has power.
3. Reverse: See Step 1.
Stapler lockout
Under certain circumstances the stapler will lock out, including instances where there
is no reload, an incorrect reload or a used reload. At any time, if the knife reverse switch
does not return the knife to the home position and the jaws will not open:
1. Reverse: Slide the knife reverse switch forward.
4. Manual override: If the knife does not return, use the manual override. First,
remove the access panel labeled “Manual Override” on the top of the handle.
Move the lever FORWARD AND BACKWARD until it can no longer be moved. The
forward and backward movement of the lever may require multiple cycles and
should be completed until the knife blade is confirmed to be in the home position.
Note: After the manual override is used, the device becomes nonfunctional.
Firing the device
1. Fire the instrument by pulling the firing trigger. Continue to depress the trigger
until the motor stops. To complete the firing sequence, release the firing trigger
to automatically return the knife to the home position.
Note: Alternatively, for enhanced tissue compression when using the ECHELON
FLEX™ Powered Plus Stapler, the user may pulse the firing trigger throughout the
firing cycle until the transection is completed. It is recommended that the pulsing
technique not be initiated until after the knife blade indicator has moved into the
closed bottom channel and is no longer visible (see photos below) to minimize
potential of inadvertent lockout.
Knife blade not visibleKnife blade is visible