Direct diode laser assisted carotid end-to-end microanastomosis (LAMA) versus contralateral manual sutures microanastomosis (CMA) were performed in 70 Wistar rats. The laser beam- wavelength 830 nm, maximum power 3 W and continuous wave was transmitted through a micromanipulator and provided a focused spot of 300 micrometers in diameter. After placement of three 10.0 stitches for edge coaptation, LAMA was achieved on left common carotid (0.8 - 1.2 mm) using laser shots (average 3) of 500 mW power, 4.5 s duration and 700 W/cm² irradiance each. CMA was performed on right carotid by means of six 10.0 stitches. Light and scanning electron microscopy (n equals 82) showed in LAMA that re-endothelialization was complete on day 10 while collagenous fusion of media and adventitia was evident. The patency rate was 93% after LAMA versus 93% after CMA. The intra operative advantages of LAMA versus CMA: shorter operating time minimizing organ ischemia (13 min versus 22 min) and reduced endothelial trauma were evidenced. The technical advantages of diode laser were pointed out: small size of device, absence of water cooling system, no maintenance and decreasing price of diodes.

Date Published: 15 February 1994
PDF: 4 pages
Proc. SPIE 2086, Medical Applications of Lasers, (15 February 1994); doi: 10.1117/12.169118

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 2086:
Medical Applications of Lasers
Kazuhiko Atsumi M.D.; Cornelius Borst M.D.; Frank W. Cross M.D.; Herbert J. Geschwind M.D.; Dieter Jocham; Jan Kvasnicka; Hans H. Scherer M.D.; Mario A. Trelles; Eberhard Unsoeld, Editor(s)