US Patent 9168041 Pediatric esophageal atresia magnetic anastomosis system

A system and a method for joining an upper and lower esophageal sacs in an infant are provided. The system includes a first elongate member having a first magnet, the first magnet including an end portion configured to abut an interior surface of the upper esophageal sac. The system also includes a second elongate member having a second magnet, the second magnet including an end portion configured to abut an interior surface of the lower esophageal sac. The system further includes a third elongate member having a third magnet and a spacer positioned distal to the third magnet. The third elongate member is positionable in the upper esophageal sac after the first elongate member has been removed. A magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet is configured to pull the first magnet and the second magnet towards each other to lengthen the upper and lower esophageal sacs.