Staple penetration and staple histological response for attaching an epimysial electrode onto the abdominal surface of the diaphragm using a laparoscopic approach.
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.
Schmit
B D
BD
Applied Neural Control Laboratory, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-4912, USA.
Stellato
T A
TA
Mortimer
J T
JT
D000009:Abdominal Muscles; D000818:Animals; D003964:Diaphragm / Q000293:injuries; D004285:Dogs; D004566:Electrodes; D005549:Foreign-Body Reaction / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D020706:Laparoscopes; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D013528:Surgical Staplers; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*