Method and apparatus for creating abdominal visceral anastomoses

A method for forming an anastomoses between first and second adjacent viscera, comprising the steps of:

• (a) inserting a first magnet into a first viscera;
• (b) inserting a second magnet into a second viscera, wherein at least one of the first and second magnets includes means for self-centering engagement during magnetic attraction, so that the second magnet is attracted to the first magnet and is coupled thereto through first and second visceral walls in a self-centering engagement;
• and
• (c) allowing tissue compressed between the first and second magnets by magnetic attraction between the first and second magnets to undergo ischemic necrosis.

A method for form jug an anastomoses between first and second portions of a digestive tract, comprising the steps of:

• (a) inserting a first magnet into a stomach;
• (b) waiting a period of time while the first magnet travels down the digestive tract;
• (c) inserting a second magnet into the stomach, wherein at least one of the first and second magnets includes means for self-centering engagement during magnetic attraction, so that the second magnet is attracted to the first magnet and is coupled thereto through first and second walls of the digestive tract in a self-centering engagement;
• and
• (d) allowing tissue compressed between the first and second magnets by magnetic attraction between the first and second magnets to undergo ischemic necrosis.

A device for forming an anastomoses between adjacent viscera, comprising:

• a first magnet having opposing first and second faces;
• a first jacket having opposing first and second rims, said first jacket formed around a first periphery of the first magnet on a first surface connecting the first and second faces, wherein the first and second jacket rims are spaced farther apart than the first and second magnet faces wherein said first and second rims include means for promoting tissue necrosis;
• a second magnet having opposing third and fourth faces;
• and
• a second jacket having opposing third and fourth rims, said second jacket formed around a second periphery of the second magnet on a second surface connecting the third and fourth faces, wherein the third and fourth jacket rims are spaced farther apart than the third and fourth magnet faces;
• wherein the second periphery is smaller than the first periphery, such that the first and second magnets are self-centering when they are magnetically coupled through walls of the adjacent viscera.