ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: We designed a novel, spherical magnetic compression colorectal anastomosis device and established a swine model to assess the feasibility and safety, as well as advantages, of the device. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Fifteen animals were divided into five groups (sacrificed on Days 3, 5 7, 9, and 14) with 3 in each group. In each group, a magnetic compression device was used in 2 animals (experimental animals), and a stapled device was used in 1 animal (control animal). Feeding status, bowel movements, the discharge time of the magnetic anastomosis device, burst pressure, and magnetic field strength were recorded. Gross anatomical and histological examinations were performed. RESULTS: The average device discharge time was 7.5 days. The burst pressure increased over time for both the experimental and control animals. Both the gross anatomical and histological examinations suggested that the inflammatory reaction was milder. Healing occurred more quickly, and the incidence of complications was lower for the experimental animals than for the control animals. CONCLUSIONS: The potential benefits of the spherical magnetic compression colorectal anastomosis device, relative to the stapled device, were in terms of effectiveness and complication incidence, which encourages us to further study its application in gastrointestinal anastomosis.
