stapled

Stapled is the past participle of staple and describes something that has been fastened with staples, usually metal U-shaped fasteners driven by a stapler. In everyday use, stapled objects include sheets of paper, booklets, fabric patches, or insulation and packaging assemblies. The term is also used in more technical contexts where devices place staples to seal or join tissue.

In medical contexts, stapled refers to surgical procedures that employ a stapling device to close wounds, divide tissue, or connect segments of hollow organs. Surgical staplers come in various configurations, including linear staplers that apply a row of staples along a straight line and circular staplers that form a ring for anastomosis. Staples can be metallic or absorbable, which influence whether removal is needed. Benefits of stapling in surgery often include faster closure, consistent staple formation, and reduced tissue handling, while potential risks include infection, tissue stapling defects, and the need for later intervention if complications arise.

In binding and printing, stapled binding is a common method for assembling booklets, pamphlets, and magazines, using staples along the fold or spine. This method is inexpensive and suitable for short runs or temporary materials, though it provides less durability than stitched or perfect-bound bindings. Overall, stapled products and procedures share a core: fastening components together with staples, whether for everyday documents or medical closures.