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Magnetic-assisted approach expands minimally invasive options for pediatric patients
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Miguel Guelfand, M.D., performs a minimally invasive gallbladder removal using a magnetic-assisted surgical technology.
Cleveland Clinic Children’s is the first in the United States to perform a minimally invasive gallbladder removal (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) using a magnetic-assisted surgical technology that recently received FDA clearance for pediatric use.
The procedure was performed in early November by Miguel Guelfand, M.D., head of pediatric general and thoracic surgery at Cleveland Clinic Children’s. The patient has been recovering well following the procedure.
“Minimally invasive approaches are especially important in pediatric surgery,” said Dr. Guelfand. “Smaller incisions and less tissue disruption can mean less pain, faster recovery, and a better overall experience for young patients and their families. This milestone reflects our continued commitment to advancing surgical care for pediatric patients.”
The magnetic-assisted system by Levita® Magnetics uses an external magnet to control a small internal instrument that can gently hold or move organs inside the abdomen during surgery.
For the case, Dr. Guelfand used the magnetic-assisted surgical technology to gently move the gallbladder, allowing clear visualization of the surrounding tissue while performing the laparoscopic procedure. Without the magnetic tool, an additional incision would have been needed so that a surgical assistant could hold the gallbladder in place with a laparoscopic instrument.
The FDA clearance allows the use of magnetic-assisted systems for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in pediatric patients ages 12 and older, expanding the indication beyond adult surgery. The magnetic-assisted platform was initially FDA approved in 2023 for abdominal procedures, including gallbladder removal and bariatric surgery in adults.
Cleveland Clinic Children’s is a part of the Cleveland Clinic health system and offers full medical, surgical and rehabilitative care for infants, children and adolescents. Cleveland Clinic Children’s supports 389 beds in four acute care hospitals and one post-acute specialty hospital. In addition, pediatric services are available at more than 50 outpatient clinic locations across Northeast Ohio. A staff of more than 400 full-time pediatricians and sub-specialists see more than one million pediatric visits each year and provide hospital care for 13,000 children per year. Cleveland Clinic Children’s is a non-profit, multi-specialty academic medical center integrating clinical care, research, and education. Cleveland Clinic Children’s consistently ranks among the “Best Children’s Hospitals” by U.S. News & World Report. Visit us online at www.clevelandclinic.org/childrens and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/clevelandclinicchildrens.
Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. Cleveland Clinic is consistently recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for its expertise and care. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 82,600 employees worldwide are more than 5,786 salaried physicians and researchers, and 20,700 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,728-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 23 hospitals, 280 outpatient facilities, including locations in northeast Ohio; Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2024, there were 15.7 million outpatient encounters, 333,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 320,000 surgeries and procedures throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 112 countries. Visit us at clevelandclinic.org. Follow us at x.com/CleClinicNews. News and resources are available at newsroom.clevelandclinic.org.
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