Innovative Magnetic Platform Expedites Gallbladder Removal

A novel magnetic surgery system grasps and retracts tissue and organs in laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedures, facilitating access and visualization of the surgical site.

The Levita Magnetic Surgical System is comprised of a magnetic grasper device with a detachable tip and a magnetic controller. The grasper is inserted into the abdominal cavity via a small incision; once the magnetic tip reaches the gallbladder, the surgeon deploys it, attaching it to the body and the fundus of the gallbladder, and removes the grasper. The surgeon then uses the magnetic controller to maneuver and lift the gallbladder via a magnetic field, without damaging the abdominal wall. Once near the opening, the grasper is re-inserted to retrieve the magnetic tip and attached gallbladder.

The system reduces complications during surgery--such as organ injuries, bleeding, or pain--and also provides a better procedure for the surgeon, with less instrument crowding and less scarring for the patient. The Levita Magnetic Surgical System is a product of Levita Magnetics (San Mateo, CA, USA), and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients within a body mass index (BMI) range of 20- 34 kg/m2.

“We are proud to be the pioneers of magnetic surgery. Having been a minimally invasive surgeon for over 10 years, I understand the complexity my peers face when trying to gain proper access to organs,” said surgeon Alberto Rodriguez-Navarro, MD, founder and CEO of Levita Magnetics. “Our goal at Levita is to equip surgeons with the technology they need to make surgery easier and less invasive, while enabling improved patient outcomes.”

In traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy, four incisions are made in the abdomen: one on the rim of the navel, one beneath the navel, and two beneath the navel and to the right. A laparoscope and surgical instruments are passed into the interior of the abdomen to aid the surgeon in removal of the gallbladder. The new magnetic system reduces the number of incisions needed.

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