Magnetic compression anastomosis: a promising technique in the further development of minimal invasive surgery

Abstract

Magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA)involves the use of two rare-earth magnets that attract to each other transmurally between two internal organs, resulting in compression and subsequent fistula formation to create a nonsurgical enteric, vascular, or biliary anastomosis with therapeutic aims. The magnetic vascular coupler allows a sutureless anastomoses between arteries and veins by using interventional radiological techniques. The MCA technique significantly reduces ischemic time during anastomosis, and has the advantages of low invasiveness and simplicity. It is a rather effective method for recanalizing between various hollow viscera, creating anastomosis such as gastrojejunostomy, choledochojejunostomy, or choledochoduodenostomy.Furthermore, this novel technique is considered to be a feasible and alternative reconstructive method for patients who develop significant bile duct complications following hepaticojejunostomy and living donor liver transplantation. MCA is a promising and novel technique in the further development of minimal invasive surgery. Key words: Magnetic compression anastomosis ; Minimal invasive surgery