Magnamosis II: Magnetic compression anastomosis for minimally invasive gastrojejunostomy and jejunojejunostomy

Background: Previously we demonstrated the safety and patency of a magnetic compression anastomosis (magnamosis). We present the further development of this technique, with specific focus on optimizing device design for minimally invasive magnamosis.

Study design: The magnamosis device was designed to incorporate 3 features: 2 convex-concave radially symmetric halves that magnetically self-align, a central channel for immediate patency, and specially engineered radial topography of the mating surfaces to promote gradual remodeling. Each symmetrical half consists of a ring-shaped neodymium-iron-boron magnet encased in polycarbonate casing. Twenty-one young adult pigs underwent either magnetic gastrojejunostomy (n = 13) or jejunojejunostomy (n = 8). Animals were euthanized at 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks after operation. Anastomoses were studied with contrast radiography, burst pressure, and histology.

Results: Gastrojejunostomy: In all animals with successful placement of magnets, anastomoses were patent by contrast fluoroscopy, well healed by histologic examination, and showed excellent burst strength. Jejunojejunostomy: All animals had uneventful clinical courses, indicating that the magnamosis with immediate patency functioned properly without device dislodgement. At sacrifice, all magnamoses were patent, well healed by histology, and had burst strengths that equaled or exceeded that of traditional stapled anastomoses.

Conclusions: Minimally invasive placement of a custom magnetic device in the stomach and jejunum allows intraluminal self-alignment and subsequent compression anastomosis over 3 to 10 days. The magnamosis is immediately patent and develops strength equal to or greater than that of hand-sewn or stapled anastomoses. Magnamosis is effective in the pig model, and may be a safe, effective, and minimally invasive alternative to current anastomotic strategies in humans.