Mechanism of Action
How Magnetic Compression Anastomosis Works
Magnetic compression anastomosis is a technique for creating a controlled connection between two segments of bowel using a pair of self-aligning magnets, without staples or sutures at the anastomosis site. The MagDI System applies this principle to create a duodeno-ileal anastomosis.
Step-by-step
- 01Endoscopic / orogastric delivery
The MagDI magnets are delivered through the gastrointestinal tract using endoscopic and orogastric techniques, avoiding additional skin incisions for placement of the magnets themselves.
- 02Self-alignment between duodenum and ileum
Two magnets — one positioned in the duodenum, one in the ileum — are designed to self-align across the bowel wall through magnetic attraction.
- 03Controlled tissue compression
Once aligned, the magnets apply controlled, sustained compression on the tissue between them.
- 04Natural tissue fusion
The compressed tissue gradually undergoes ischemic remodeling and a side-to-side anastomosis (connection) is formed between the duodenum and the ileum without staples or sutures at the magnet site.
- 05Magnet detachment
After the anastomosis matures, the fused magnets detach as a single unit from the now-formed connection.
- 06Natural passage and removal
The detached magnet pair passes naturally through the gastrointestinal tract. No permanent foreign material is left in the body at the anastomosis site.
Why this matters
Because the anastomosis is formed by tissue fusion rather than mechanical staples or permanent implants, no foreign material remains at the connection site once the magnets pass. This mechanism is documented in U.S. FDA regulatory submissions and in the peer-reviewed publications listed under Science & Evidence → Clinical Studies.
Mechanism of action describes how the device is intended to work; it does not predict outcomes in any individual patient. Long-term durability of magnetically formed anastomoses continues to be studied.