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Absorption characteristics at 1.9 microns: effect on vascular welding
R T Kung1, R B Stewart, D T Zelt
1ABIOMED, Inc., Danvers, Massachusetts 01923.
Lasers in Surgery and Medicine
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Laser welding shows promise for vascular surgery. A 1.9-micron laser achieved acute weld strengths comparable to sutures in rat and rabbit arteries, suggesting suitability for small vessel anastomoses.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Surgical Technology
- Laser Medicine
Background:
- Vascular anastomoses are crucial in surgery.
- Suturing can be challenging for small vessels.
- Laser welding offers a potential alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the acute weld strengths of laser-welded rat and rabbit arteries.
- To determine the optimal laser parameters for vascular anastomoses.
Main Methods:
- A 1.9-micron laser was used with fiber optic delivery.
- Laser power was 150 mW with a 0.7 mm spot size.
- Vessel wall thickness was matched to optical absorption depth (125 microns).
Main Results:
- Weld strength correlated linearly with the reciprocal of vessel radius.
- Weld strength was 4 x 10^6 dynes/cm^2 for a weld thickness matching optical absorption depth.
- Laser welding achieved strengths comparable to sutured anastomoses.
Conclusions:
- A 1.9-micron laser wavelength is suitable for small vessel welding.
- Matching laser optical absorption depth to vessel wall thickness optimizes welds.
- Laser welding demonstrates potential for vascular anastomoses.