First-in-Human Side-to-Side Duodenoileal Bipartition for Weight Loss and Type 2 Diabetes with the Swallowable...

Anastomosis creation using a novel magnetic compression technique may provide an alternative minimally invasive approach to gastrointestinal surgery. The biofragmentable magnetic anastomosis system (BMAS) is endolaparoscopically placed to effect magnetic duodenoileostomy (MagDI) bipartition for reduction of weight and type 2 diabetes (T2D). MagDI obviates major risks associated with enterotomy, stapling or suturing, and retained foreign materials.

This was a first-in-human prospective investigation of feasibility, safety, and efficacy in adults with BMI 30.0 or more to 35.0 or less kg/m 2 . An initial BMAS magnet, swallowed by the patient or delivered under anesthesia by endoscopy, was guided laparoscopically to the distal ileum; a second magnet was endoscopically positioned in the postpyloric duodenum; magnets were aligned to fuse for 7 to 21 days forming the duodenoileostomy. Primary endpoints are feasibility and severe adverse event (AE) incidence by Clavien-Dindo grade. Secondary endpoints are weight and T2D reduction.

Between December 20, 2022, and May 21, 2024, 15 patients (mean BMI 33.0 ± 0.4 kg/m 2 ), all with T2D (glycosylated hemoglobin 8.2% ± 0.4%, glucose 187.9 ± 15.5 mg/dL, on T2D medications) underwent MagDI. The mean operative time was 51.3 ± 5.3 minutes. Feasibility at 90 days was confirmed in 100.0% with 0.0% leakage, bleeding, infection, stricture, and mortality; 89.4% of AEs were mild; and 3 Clavien-Dindo-III severe AEs were resolved. At 1 year, 100.0% of anastomoses were patent, BMI was (8) 30.1 ± 0.9 kg/m 2 , excess weight loss was 38.8%, glycosylated hemoglobin was 6.6% ± 0.1%, and glucose was 142.8 ± 9.5 mg/dL.

The novel swallowable, BMAS was feasible, safe, and effective in achieving incisionless, suture- or staple-free magDI. The device and procedure provide a promising minimally invasive option for moderate, clinically meaningful weight loss and T2D mitigation.