Surgical staplers come in several types, and each is built for a different job in the operating room. Knowing the main types of surgical staplers, how their reloads work and what their reference numbers mean makes it much easier to order the right product the first time. This guide covers the categories hospitals and surgery centers buy most often.
The main types of surgical staplers
Linear cutters (endoscopic and open)
Linear cutters fire parallel rows of staples and cut between them in one motion, so the surgeon can transect and seal tissue at the same time. They are the most common surgical staplers in laparoscopic and open general surgery. Popular families include the Ethicon Echelon line and the Covidien Endo GIA and Signia line. Most linear cutters use disposable reloads, so one handle can fire several times during a case.
Linear staplers without a knife
Some linear staplers place rows of staples without cutting, which is useful when tissue needs to be closed rather than divided. Covidien’s TA staplers are a common example. They are usually ordered alongside a separate reload in the matching length and staple height.
Circular staplers
Circular staplers create a round staple line and are used to join two tubular structures, such as in bowel anastomosis. Covidien’s EEA staplers and Ethicon’s circular staplers are typically sized by diameter in millimeters, for example 21mm, 28mm or 31mm, so the reference number usually includes the size.
Skin staplers
Skin staplers close the skin at the end of a procedure. They are usually preloaded with a set number of staples, such as the 35-staple Ethicon Proximate skin stapler, and are often compared with Dermabond topical skin adhesives.
Robotic staplers
Robotic staplers are designed for specific robotic systems. The da Vinci SureForm stapler line, for example, is built for da Vinci Xi and X systems and uses its own 30, 45 and 60 reloads. Robotic staplers and reloads are not interchangeable with laparoscopic staplers, so match the system before ordering.
Manual vs powered staplers
Many stapler lines now include powered versions, such as Echelon Flex powered staplers and the Signia stapling system, which fire with a motor instead of a hand squeeze. Powered and manual versions within a family may share some reloads but not always, so always confirm compatibility in the product labeling.
How reload colors work
Stapler reloads are color-coded by staple height, which is matched to tissue thickness. Each manufacturer uses its own color system:
- Ethicon Echelon reloads use white for vascular and thin tissue, blue for standard, gold for regular to thick, green for thick and black for very thick tissue.
- Covidien Tri-Staple reloads use tan for vascular and medium tissue, purple for medium and thick tissue, and black for extra thick tissue.
- da Vinci SureForm reloads use white, gray, blue, green and black.
Because the systems differ, a “blue” reload from one manufacturer is not equivalent to a “blue” reload from another. Reloads are also brand-specific: Echelon reloads fit Echelon staplers, and Endo GIA reloads fit Endo GIA and Signia staplers.
Reading stapler reference numbers
Most stapler reference numbers encode the length and staple color, which makes reordering simple:
- GST60B is an Echelon GST reload, 60mm, blue.
- SIG60AMT is a Signia Tri-Staple reload, 60mm, purple (medium/thick).
- 48360W is a da Vinci SureForm 60 reload, white.
When you reorder, copy the full reference number from the box, including any suffix. If you manage a long list, our SKU availability checker lets you paste every reference number at once and see what is available.
What to check before ordering staplers and reloads
- Brand and system: reloads must match the stapler brand, and robotic reloads must match the robotic system.
- Length: common lengths include 30mm, 45mm and 60mm for endoscopic staplers, and longer lengths for some open linear cutters.
- Staple color: order the colors your surgeons use most, and keep a range on hand for different tissue types.
- Purchase unit: many reloads are sold by the box, and some are available individually.
- Dating: check expiration dates when you receive stock, and rotate inventory so older boxes are used first.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use, and let your surgeons make the clinical choice of stapler and staple height.
Shop surgical staplers and reloads
Browse all surgical staplers and reloads, robotic staplers and reloads and skin staplers at Class 1 Inventory, or contact our team for a quote on your full stapler list.
