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FDA approves first-ever magnetic device for gallbladder removal
Levita Magnetics recently announced it received FDA approval for the first-ever magnetic surgical system for gallbladder removal surgery.
According to a press release from the manufacturer, the device helps surgeons see and manipulate the gallbladder better by using fewer tools and leaves the wall of the abdomen unharmed during cholecystectomies. Patients treated using the device may experience less scarring, pain, organ injuries and bleeding, according to the release. The device is indicated for patients whose BMI ranges from 20 kg/m2 to 34 kg/m2.
Matthew Kroh, MD, director of surgical endoscopy at Cleveland Clinic, was the first surgeon in the United States to use the device, according to the manufacturer. In an email interview with Healio.com/Hepatology, Kroh explained this technology allows for safe, reproducible procedures that are less invasive, resulting in a quicker recovery with less pain.
“Surgical innovation is a continual process that brings less invasive technologies to patient care,” Kroh told Healio.com/Hepatology. “In the future, magnetic devices and platforms may result in less invasive surgical procedures across a spectrum of specialties, beyond gallbladder, and even general surgical sub-specialties.”
According to the release, Duke University, Cleveland Clinic and Stanford University are among the medical facilities leveraging use of the device with Levita Magnetics.
Disclosure: Kroh reports being a consultant to Levita, and consultant and speaker for Medtronic, Cook, and Teleflex Medical.
Editor's note: This item was updated with a quote from Kroh and provide his financial disclosures.