Ethicon Unveils New Scalpel System

Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company, announced the release of the LaparoSonic Coagulating Shears (LCS-5). The 5-mm version of the LCS system gives surgeons the ability to utilize ultrasonic shears through much smaller incisions in the patient.

The new system joins the other 5- and 10-mm products in the Harmonic Scalpel family. The device features a 360° rotating blade and clamp arm, allowing the surgeon to approach the targeted tissue from any point and angle to optimize access and visibility.

Many of the top experts in the surgical community believe that ultrasonic energy is the wave of the future and will play a lead role in the advancement of traditional and videoscopic surgery for a broad range of procedures. Among the fields being considered for future applications of ultrasonic technology are cardiac and vascular surgery, and plastic and reconstructive surgery.

The new LCS-5 may be used for many videoscopic procedures such as: Nissen fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease, laparoscopically assisted hysterectomy, cholecystectomy, excision of endometrial implants, lysis of adhesions and myomectomy.

The Harmonic Scalpel line of products is powered by a generator that creates a computer controlled signal that travels through a hand piece. This system enables surgeons to apply a precise amount of cutting and coagulation energy directly to the targeted tissue. The Harmonic Scalpel was introduced for use in traditional open surgery in 1990 and for videoscopic surgical procedures in 1991. Since then, the device has been used by thousands of surgeons in over 300,000 cases around the world. SOURCE Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc.