Magnetic Anastomosis as a Minimally Invasive Treatment for Esophageal Atresia

Abstract

Esophageal atresia without fistula is a rare congenital abnormality for which treatment historically required a surgical repair. A new minimally invasive procedure with US Food and Drug Administration–approved Humanitarian Device Exemption has now emerged as a possible treatment option in place of, or in conjunction with, surgical repair for infants with esophageal atresia. This procedure uses magnets placed under fluoroscopic guidance to create an anastomosis between the stomach and the esophagus. In this article, we will review a new magnetic anastomosis catheter-based system, describing how the procedure is performed as well as the reported outcomes and potential complications of this approach. We will highlight a recent case of a patient who underwent the procedure.