The ECHELON FLEX Powered Plus Articulating Endoscopic Linear Cutters are sterile, single patient use instruments that simultaneouslycut and staple tissue. There are six staggered rows of staples, three on either side of the cut line. The ECHELON FLEX 45 Powered Plusinstruments have a staple line that is approximately 45 mm long and a cut line that is approximately 42 mm long. The shaft can rotate freelyin both directions and an articulation mechanism enables the distal portion of the shaft to pivot to facilitate lateral access to the operativesite.The instruments are packaged with a primary lithium battery pack that must be installed prior to use. There are specific requirements fordisposing of the battery pack. Refer to the Battery Pack Disposal section.The instruments are packaged without a reload and must be loaded prior to use. A staple retaining cap on the reload protects the staple legpoints during shipping and transportation. The instruments’ lock-out feature is designed to prevent a used or improperly installed reloadfrom being refired or an instrument from being fired without a reload.