Innovating Anastomosis
The TOP Stapler Approach
- By optimising healing conditions, the TOP Stapler aims to set a new standard in surgical outcomes.
- Inner concentric staples (sealing line) ensure precise closure and hemostasis near the cut edges of the intestine.
- Outer radial staples (healing line), placed transversely and with reduced compression, enabling optimal perfusion.
- Designed to adjust to postoperative edema in the anastomotic area, whilst ensuring integrity.
- Experimental studies have shown an almost seamless and stretchable junction of intestines following experimental anastomoses made with the TOP Stapler, without leakage, stricture formation, or adhesions.
TOP Stapler Resources
Experimental Testing
Exploring the experimental testing phase of the TOP stapler, showcasing its efficacy and advantages in surgical applications.
Download PDFOptimizing Anastomosis
Detailed discussion on optimizing stapled gastro-intestinal anastomosis with the TOP stapler concept for better outcomes.
Download PDFFrequently Asked Questions
The TOP Stapler introduces a novel dual-staple configuration that aims to minimize tissue pressure and maximize blood perfusion. The configuration is designed to provide both hemostasis via the sealing line near the cut-end of the intestine and maximal healing potential via the healing line in the region that is designated for anastomotic junction.
By employing an inner concentric and an outer radial staple line, the TOP Stapler ensures optimal tissue alignment and perfusion. The outer staples, applied with less compression and oriented in the direction of the main blood vessels, allow for postoperative edema and optimal perfusion of the anastomotic contact region.
Extensive experimental studies on pigs have shown positive outcomes for the TOP stapler: all anastomoses made with the TOP Stapler healed without leakage, no strictures, and no adhesions. Anastomoses made using conventional 2-row staplers in these studies showed leakage, fibrosis, strictures, and adhesions. These studies underline the potential of the TOP Stapler to improve surgical outcomes.
The current TOP Stapler is an end-to-end (ETE) anastomosis stapler and is designed to be used in ETE anastomoses procedures along the entire digestive tract.
TOP stapler
The TOP stapler concept emerged from basic experimental surgery and comprehensive literature research. To further shape and validate the TOP stapler technology, a dedicated development initiative was launched. Following iterative design and building of prototypes, the concept was extensively and successfully tested in experimental surgery settings. In 2023, a world-wide patent was granted.
In order to translate this successful concept into a clinical solution, an international joing venture was established in 2024, combining the revolutionary concept of TOP stapler and high quality production facilities of Waston Medical.
In 2025, procedures have started for international certification of the TOP stapler.
TOP stapler Team
Frederik van Oosterom, MD, PhD
Founder & Inventor
Inventor of the TOP stapler concept and lead developer
Lex Houdijk, MD, PhD
Co-Founder & Clinical Advisor – Surgical Innovation
Surgeon, clinical innovator. Actively involved in shaping the medical relevance and long-term vision of the TOP stapler.
Mark Thieme, MSc
Co-founder - Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Strategy
Major shareholder. Leads financial architecture and strategic growth. Instrumental in aligning business development with clinical innovation and international expansion.
Jeroen Twiss, MSc
Strategic Director – International Partnerships & Growth
Leads strategic direction and international collaborations for operational scaling and certification.
Volkert Struijcken, MSc
Senior Strategy Consultant – Market & Legal Positioning
Advisor on legal & market strategy and stakeholder alignment.
Raoul Beeldsnijder
Creative Director – Media & Communication
Designs and develops all visual and narrative communication assets.
Bas Sibeijn Jr.
Media Consultant – Visual Strategy
Supports multimedia production and visual storytelling.
Waston Medical
Michael Hu
Chief Executive Officer – Waston Medical
Executive leader driving global innovation and high-quality manufacturing in advanced surgical technologies. Key figure in the strategic alliance with the TOP stapler initiative.
Paris Mao
Director of International Cooperation
Responsible for global partnerships and cross-border collaboration. Instrumental in connecting Waston Medical with pioneering clinical innovators worldwide.
Claudia Zhang
Regulatory Affairs Specialist – International Compliance
Expert in global medical device certification processes. Ensures alignment with international regulatory standards for the TOP stapler’s clinical deployment.