Efficacy of Non-Powered Stapler in Lung Volume Reduction Surgery of Severe Lung Emphysema: A Prospective Randomized Single-Blinded Monocentric Study

Eric Francis Macharia-Nimietz; Makhmudbek Mallaev; Paulius Gecas; Jovan Vujic; Urs Simmen; Aljaz Hojski; Michael Tamm; Didier Lardinois  |  March 5, 2026

This randomized study compared a non-powered AEON Endostapler with a powered Echelon Flex stapler in patients with severe lung emphysema undergoing lung volume reduction surgery. Thirty-two procedures in 19 patients were monitored digitally for postoperative air leaks. The non-powered stapler showed fewer immediate air leaks (35% vs 60%) and a shorter median time to air leak closure (14.3 vs 93.2 hours), although differences were not statistically significant. Both devices were feasible, with trends favoring earlier air leak closure using the non-powered stapler.

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