METHODS OF MAGNETICALLY GUIDING AND AXIALLY ALIGNING DISTAL ENDS OF SURGICAL DEVICES

摘要

A magnetic alignment and guidance system is described for use during a surgical or diagnostic procedure within a patient to align and magnetically join the free ends of catheters to form a continuous channel. The system includes two magnetic couplers mounted on the ends of the catheters. One or both of the catheters may be attached to a surgical or diagnostic device, such as a trocar or an endoscope.