Transformative Colorectal Magnetic Technology Revolutionizes Anastomosis
Orlando Health Colon and Rectal Institute is currently conducting the nation’s first FDA-approved trial of a novel system to perform magnetic compression anastomosis for use in robotic or laparoscopic colorectal surgery procedures. This single-center, single-arm, early feasibility clinical study is under the direction of Antonio Caycedo, MD, MSc, chief of colon and rectal surgery at Orlando Health and medical director at Orlando Health Colon and Rectal Institute.
Colorectal surgeons at Orlando Health will examine the safety and effectiveness of a novel magnetic technology to create Ileo-colic and Colo-colonic anastomoses. The study will focus on 20 eligible patients scheduled for minimally invasive approaches for side-to-side Ileo-colic or Colo-colonic anastomoses. All operations will be conducted by two experienced colorectal surgeons trained in the use of this innovative magnetic technology.
“A magnetic bowel anastomosis replaces traditional suturing and stapling with sophisticated, self-forming magnets that have a variation of strength of attraction,” says Dr. Caycedo, who participated in a recent international study that performed the world’s first 25 human cases utilizing this new technology. “Suturing or stapling anastomosis joints — the standard for decades — perforates tissue and can result in possible micro perforations, abscesses, infections and potential anastomotic failure. Results from this new magnetic technology suggest fewer complications and faster healing for patients.”
During the procedure, surgeons create enterotomies or colotomies to set up specially designed rings that maintain patency of the anastomosis, while also allowing deployment of the magnets inside the bowel lumen through the center of the rings. Immediate patency between the two sections of the bowel is the key differentiator of this technology. The magnetic system employed creates safe and suture-free gastrointestinal connections.
“This technology is based on the very old concept of compression anastomosis where tissues are compressed together until they fuse to create a safe, seamless joint without any form of inflammatory process or significant early anastomotic adverse events,” says Dr. Caycedo. “There is no resulting bowel obstruction, which is absolutely revolutionary for magnetic devices. I believe magnetic technology brings true disruption that will change anastomosis as we know it. Furthermore, in a very practical and feasible manner, it will rapidly enable thousands of surgeons worldwide to perform intracorporeal anastomosis overnight.” This practical advantage represents one of the technology’s most significant gains.
