Anastomosis of intestine or other viscera currently requires open or laparoscopic surgery and is often the most difficult, time-consuming, and expensive part of many operations. We have developed a device ("Magnamosis") that may create compression anastomoses more easily, quickly, and less expensively than sutures or staples. The Magnamosis device consists of two 23-mm diameter, convex-concave, radially symmetric ring magnets encased in polycarbonate. One magnet is placed in the lumen of each viscus to be joined, the magnets self-align, and a compression anastomosis is achieved by tissue remodeling. We have completed extensive pre-clinical studies in animals and have shown that Magnamosis can be used to accomplish gastrojejunostomy, jejunojejunostomy, duodenal-colostomy, and colo-colostomy safely and effectively using available endoscopic and minimally invasive surgery techniques. We are now conducting a small first-in-human study to obtain clinical data in support of the safety and early feasibility of the Magnamosis device.

This is a non-randomized, prospective, single-center pilot study to evaluate the feasibility and safety of creating an intestinal anastomosis using the Magnamosis Magnetic Compression Anastomosis (Magnamosis) device under FDA IDE G130046. Ten, otherwise healthy, subjects, ages 18-60 years, with a disease process necessitating open or laparoscopic surgical anastomosis for re-establishment of intestinal continuity that would otherwise be performed using sutures or stapling devices will be enrolled. Participation in the study requires a time commitment of three months. The total duration of the study is 18 months to ensure three-month follow-up on each subject, with long-term follow-up of each subject at one and two years postoperation. The primary outcome measure will be the incidence of anastomotic leaks related to the use of the Magnamosis device. Anastomotic leakage will be defined as clinical symptoms such as fever, sepsis or peritonitis within 30 days postoperatively leading to a clinical and/or radiological interventional procedure or reoperation that confirms that the leakage is related to the device. Secondary outcome measures will include the rate of occurrence of other device-related complications during hospitalization and post-procedure, including the rate of bleeding, perforation, retention of foreign body, and anastomotic stricture documented by symptoms or imaging within three months of procedure. The duration of hospitalization, number of days to passage of Magnamosis device (found in stool or absent on x-ray), and number of days to the first postoperative bowel movement will also be measured. Post-operative administration of the pain scale will also yield study data. Subject follow-up will be conducted after discharge at 2 weeks (in person, in clinic), and at 1 month, 3 months, 1 year and 2 years either in person, via email, telephone, Skype, or other non in-person method.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Between 18 and ≤ 60 years of age
• Requires non-emergent operation to create an intestinal anastomosis for maintenance of intestinal continuity in which the Magnamosis device can be used instead of sutures or staples.
• Able to read, speak and understand English
• Demonstrates an understanding of the study procedures and risks, and can provide signed informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Intestines to be anastomosed are not appropriate in size, thickness or tissue health for the Magnamosis device. For example,

  • Intestine too small to accommodate 23-mm diameter device; or
  • Intestine so large that 23-mm diameter anastomotic lumen is not adequate; or
  • Intestine too thickened to allow two halves of device to come together with sufficient force to produce compression anastomosis (e.g. inflamed or scarred intestinal wall; a foreign body like staples in anastomosis); or
  • Inadequate blood supply

• Requires anastomosis of the stomach

• Bowel is not well perfused

• Anastomosis will be under tension

• Anatomic reconstruction requires crossing a staple line

• ASA (American Society of Anesthesiology) score 4 or 5;

• Requires more than one anastomosis during operation;

• Women possibly or known to be pregnant;

• Inability to obtain pre-authorization from insurance company or third party payor

• Does not meet all inclusion criteria