Devices and methods are used to modify a metabolic pathway of a digestive system by creating a pathway within the intestinal tract through an anastomosis between a proximal location within the intestinal tract and a distal location within the intestinal tract. In some examples, the small intestine has a first initial length and the created pathway defines a second length of the intestinal tract that is approximately ten to seventy percent of the first initial length of the small intestine.

A system for endoscopically forming an anastomosis between two naturally adjacent points in the digestive tract. The system utilizes elongate magnetic devices that, when connected across a tissue boundary, necrose tissue until an anastomosis forms and the devices are passed naturally. Despite the elongate shape of the devices, the resulting anastomosis is substantially round. As such, round anastomoses can be formed having increased diameters merely by increasing the lengths of the devices, obviating the need for wider endoscopes.

The invention is an implantable magnetic anastomosis device having an exoskeleton that directs self-assembly. The design allows the device to be delivered in a linear configuration using a minimally-invasive technique, such as endoscopy or laparoscopy, whereupon the device self-assembles into, e.g., a polygon. A coupled set of polygons define a circumscribed tissue that can be perforated, or the tissue can be allowed to naturally necrose and perforate. The device can be used to create anastomoses in a variety of tissues, such as tissues found in the gastrointestinal, renal/urinary, and reproductive tracts. New procedures for using anastomoses, e.g., surgical bypass are also disclosed.

Devices and methods are used to modify a metabolic pathway of a digestive system by creating a pathway within the intestinal tract through an anastomosis between a proximal location within the intestinal tract and a distal location within the intestinal tract. In some examples, the small intestine has a first initial length and the created pathway defines a second length of the intestinal tract that is approximately ten to seventy percent of the first initial length of the small intestine.

Magnetic anastomosis devices constructed from magnetic segments coupled together with members that help the devices spontaneously transform from a linear delivery configuration to a polygonal deployment configuration. When two devices are joined together over tissue(s), the compressive force causes the tissue(s) to necrose and form an anastomosis. By altering the arrangement of the magnetic poles of the magnetic segments in the devices, the magnetic interaction between paired devices can be altered. This property gives surgeons flexibility in choosing how much attractive force the devices will experience during a procedure.

The invention concerns delivering paired magnetic anastomosis devices to either side of tissues to be joined. The magnetic anastomosis devices are coupled to a guide element that facilitates delivery and manipulation of the devices when using minimally-invasive techniques such as endoscopy and laparoscopy. Elongated manipulators and guide tubes are also disclosed that improve a user's dexterity with the devices during placement.

The present disclosure provides description of applicators to implement modular magnetic anastomosis device. In one embodiment the delivery device is a laparoscopic instrument for MISS surgery, in another embodiment the delivery device is endoscopy or colonoscopy instrument for NOTES surgery.

An assembly including a positioning tool that includes a probe affixed to a portion of a grasping tool, wherein a distal tip of the probe protrudes distally from the grasping tool a distance corresponding to a position for placing a magnet with the grasping tool.

Magnetic anastomosis devices constructed from magnetic segments coupled together with members that help the devices spontaneously transform from a linear delivery configuration to a polygonal deployment configuration. When two devices are joined together over tissue(s), the compressive force causes the tissue(s) to necrose and form an anastomosis. By altering the arrangement of the magnetic poles of the magnetic segments in the devices, the magnetic interaction between paired devices can be altered. This property gives surgeons flexibility in choosing how much attractive force the devices will experience during a procedure.

The invention is an implantable magnetic anastomosis device having an exoskeleton that directs self-assembly. The design allows the device to be delivered in a linear configuration using a minimally-invasive technique, such as endoscopy or laparoscopy, whereupon the device self-assembles into, e.g., a polygon. A coupled set of polygons define a circumscribed tissue that can be perforated, or the tissue can be allowed to naturally necrose and perforate. The device can be used to create anastomoses in a variety of tissues, such as tissues found in the gastrointestinal, renal/urinary, and reproductive tracts. New procedures for using anastomoses, e.g., surgical bypass are also disclosed.