The Evolving Use of Magnets in Surgery: Biomedical Considerations and a Review of Their Current Applications

Abstract

The novel use of magnetic force to optimize modern surgical techniques originated in the 1970s. Since then, magnets have been utilized as an adjunct or alternative to a wide array of existing surgical procedures, ranging from gastrointestinal to vascular surgery. As the use of magnets in surgery continues to grow, the body of knowledge on magnetic surgical devices from preclinical development to clinical implementation has expanded significantly; however, the current magnetic surgical devices can be organized based on their core function: serving as a guidance system, creating a new connection, recreating a physiologic function, or utilization of an internal–external paired magnet system. The purpose of this article is to discuss the biomedical considerations during magnetic device development and review the current surgical applications of magnetic devices.

Magnetic Compression Anastomosis–Past Experience and Current Proposals for Further Development in Pediatric Minimally Invasive Surgery

“…Recently, other groups have been reviving MCA for use in various pediatric surgical indications [ 13 ], including esophageal atresia repair [ 11 , 12 , 27 ], rectal atresia [ 9 ], duodenal stenosis [ 10 ], vascular anastomosis [ 28 ], and for re-cannulation of the hypopharynx [ 29 ]. Several experimental studies have been conducted in swine [ 30 , 31 ], rabbits, and dogs [ 32 ].…”

“…Remarkably, the number of publications and presentations on the topic has been increasing over the past decade, especially in pediatric surgery. While this is indicative of a greater interest in the potential use of MCA, the more recent clinical applications are still limited to case presentations and small patient series [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ].…”