An experimental study on laser-induced suturing of venous grafts in cerebral revascularization surgery

Abstract

To test laser-assisted high flow bypass in cerebral revascularization procedures, we set up an experimental model on rabbits which included harvesting a jugular vein graft and its implantation on the common carotid artery through a double end-to-side anastomosis. The study was carried out on 25 New Zealand rabbits by performing on each animal the proximal anastomosis using conventional suturing, while the distal one was obtained by means of low-power diode laser welding in association with the topical application of Indocyanine Green (ICG) solution to enhance local absorption of the laser light. After the procedure, the animals were subjected to a follow-up from 2 to 9 days. Bypass patency was evaluated by means of Doppler study. The vascular segments were excised and evaluated by histological and immunohistochemical examinations. Utilization of the diode laser was associated with a substantial shortening of the operative time, as well as with a more active endothelial regeneration process at the anastomotic site.