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Dr. Helmuth Billy Completes First Magnetic Compression Anastomosis Cases in United States

Community Memorial Healthcare, in partnership with GT Metabolic™ Solutions, Inc., is pleased to announce the completion of the first magnetic compression anastomosis cases in the United States. Helmuth Billy, MD, of Ventura Advanced Surgical Associates in Ventura, CA, completed the cases at Community Memorial Hospital – Ventura using the MagDI™ System.

“Bariatric surgery is well known to be the most reliable and effective therapy we have for the treatment of morbid obesity. Now, with the successful use of magnetic anastomosis I can lower the risk of complications like bleeding and leakage to virtually zero. Our most effective operations for the treatment of obesity are now safer than ever thanks to magnetic compression anastomosis,” said Helmuth Billy, MD.

Michel Gagner, MD, CMO and co-founder of GT Metabolic who was also on site to provide observational support, said “It is beyond exciting to see this technology in the OR in the U.S.”

Thierry Thaure, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder, GT Metabolic, said, “We thank Dr. Billy, his staff, his patients and Community Memorial Hospital – Ventura in Ventura County, California, for being the first team to use our magnetic surgery platform, MagDI™ System technology in the U.S. This represents a significant advancement in bariatric surgery and in the commercialization of our novel technology.”

Clinical evidence continues to support the efficacy of this approach that uses magnets to help achieve anastomosis. It is an incisionless, sutureless, staple-free technique that leaves behind no foreign material to impede the natural tissue healing process.1-4 To date, there are no reported leaks or bleeds.

“For those seeking new tools for less invasive procedures, the MagDI™ System is the much-anticipated evolution in bariatrics. The industry has never been more ready for this technology than it is today. GT Metabolic will now accelerate US market release in collaboration with leading surgeons and hospital centers.” said Ronald Galovich, Vice President Sales & Marketing, GT Metabolic Solutions, Inc.

“We are honored to be the first hospital in the United States to experience this transformative platform. As a health system dedicated to remaining at the forefront of medical technology and innovation, we are excited about utilizing this system to advance patient outcomes at Community Memorial Healthcare,” said Mick Zdeblick, President & CEO, Community Memorial Healthcare.

  1. 510(k) No. K242086. Clearance for Magnetic Compression Anastomosis System (MagDI System) issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 24 October 2024.
  2. Gagner, M., Almutlaq, L., Cadiere, G.-B., Torres, A. J., Sanchez-Pernaute, A., Buchwald, J. N., & Abuladze, D. (2023). Side-to-side magnetic duodeno-ileostomy in adults with severe obesity with or without type 2 diabetes: Early outcomes with prior or concurrent sleeve gastrectomy. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soard.2023.10.018
  1. Gagner, M., Abuladze, D., Koiava, L. et al. First-in-Human Side-to-Side Magnetic Compression Duodeno-ileostomy with the Magnet Anastomosis System. OBES SURG 33, 2282–2292 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-023-06708-x
  1. Gagner M, Cadiere GB, Sanchez-Pernaute A, Abuladze D, Krinke T, Buchwald JN, Van Sante N, Van Gossum M, Dziakova J, Koiava L, Odovic M, Poras M, Almutlaq L, Torres AJ. Side-to-side magnet anastomosis system duodeno-ileostomy with sleeve gastrectomy: early multi-center results. Surg Endosc. 2023 Aug;37(8):6452-6463. doi: 10.1007/s00464-023-10134-6. Epub 2023 May 22. PMID: 37217682; PMCID: PMC10202352.
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