J Reconstr Microsurg 1988; 4(4): 291-296
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1006934
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1988 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Bursting Strength in Co2 Laser-Assisted Microvascular Anastomoses

Amado Ruiz-Razura, Ma Lan, Carlos E. Hita, Zahid Khan, Ned H.C. Hwang, Benjamin E. Cohen
  • Department of Microsurgery, Surgical Training Laboratory, St. Joseph Hospital, Houston, Texas and the Cardiovascular Flow Dynamics Laboratory, University of Houston
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted for publication 1988

Publication Date:
08 March 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

Iliac artery end-to-end anastomoses were performed in 42 Sprague-Dawley rats, divided into seven groups, to determine the welding effects of CO2 laser radiation in microvascular anastomoses. Conventional suture techniques were performed on right iliac arteries, and left iliac arteries were anastomosed with a laser-assisted technique. Bursting strength and diameters of the anastomotic sites were measured at different intervals (from one day to five weeks) post surgery. The anastomotic patency rate was 100 percent in both groups, and the aneurysm rate was only 2 percent in the laser group. Bursting strength was low at one and three days post surgery in both groups; then, it increased gradually until both groups could withstand higher than physiologic pressures.

Results of high patency rates, low aneurysm formation, and the ability to withstand pressures higher than physiologic, suggest that the laser-assisted anastomotic technique can play an important role in microvascular surgery.