Virtua Health is First in Region to Offer Breakthrough, Minimally Invasive Weight-Loss Procedure Using Magnetic Technology

“This is a major advancement in bariatric care,” said Samuel Wasser, MD, director of bariatric surgery at Virtua Health. “We are offering patients a safer, gentler option with excellent outcomes and faster recovery—and we are the 17th health system nationwide to provide this new treatment option.”
Unlike traditional surgical methods, the MagDI™ (pronounced mag dee-eye) procedure:
•           reduces the risk of leaks or bleeding at the connection site;
•           is minimally invasive and does not pierce tissue. One magnet is placed by swallowing it; the other magnet is placed by the doctor via a scope.
This procedure, also known as magnetic duodeno-ileostomy surgery, limits the number of calories a person absorbs from the food they eat. Thus, it is known as a “malabsorption” procedure. It is offered in conjunction with a traditional, “restrictive” surgery that reduces the size of the stomach. Virtua offers the MagDI™ procedure the same day as traditional restrictive surgery or as a separate, secondary procedure.
“Virtua Health continues to lead the region in adopting cutting-edge technologies that improve patient outcomes and enhance the surgical experience,” said Emeka Acholonu, MD, bariatric surgeon.
Drs. Wasser and Acholonu are the only surgeons presently providing this service in the state and Greater Philadelphia region. The MagDI™ procedure is covered by most health insurance plans.
For more information on bariatric surgery at Virtua or to schedule a consultation, visit go.virtua.org/weight-loss-consult.
About Virtua Health:   
Virtua Health is an academic health system committed to helping the people of South Jersey be well, get well, and stay well by providing the complete spectrum of advanced, accessible, and trusted health care services. Virtua’s 15,000 colleagues provide tertiary care, including renowned cardiology and transplant programs, complemented by a community-based care portfolio. In addition to five hospitals, two satellite emergency departments, 42 ambulatory surgery centers, and more than 400 other locations, Virtua brings health services directly into communities through Hospital at Home, physical therapy and rehabilitation, mobile screenings, and its paramedic program.
Virtua has 3,000 affiliated doctors and other clinicians, and its specialties include cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health, orthopedics, advanced surgery, and maternity. Virtua is academically affiliated with Rowan University, leading research, innovation, and immersive education at the Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University. Virtua is also affiliated with Penn Medicine for cancer and neuroscience, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for pediatrics.
As a not-for-profit health system, Virtua is committed to the well-being of the community and provides innovative outreach programs that address social challenges affecting health, most notably the “Eat Well” food access initiative, which includes the unparalleled Eat Well Mobile Grocery Store. To help Virtua make a difference, visit GiveToVirtua.org.