Laser‐assisted end‐to‐end bioweld^® anastomosis in an ovine model

Abstract

The BioWeld tube, an albumin-based exovascular stent, has been used for microsurgical anastomoses and compared to conventional sutures. The study presented investigated the potential of the BioWeld tube for vascular anastomosis in larger vessels. Laser-assisted BioWeld anastomoses were compared to conventional-sutured anatomoses of the carotid artery of Merino-x ewes. The BioWeld procedure resulted in 100% survival and 100% patency at 1 and 6 week post-operative periods, with no noticeable foreign body response. Sutured animals showed 100% survival and patency. The ischemic time for BioWeld anastomosis averaged 15 minutes compared with 10 minutes for sutures. This study indicates that the BioWeld tube is an easy to use anastomotic technique with equivalent success rates and comparable anastomotic times.

Laser-assisted vessel welding: state of the art and future outlook

“…Modification of the solid solder in the form of a BioWeld ring produced intact sutureless end-to-end anastomoses. However, the rigidity of the solder resulted in changes of vascular compliance [90].…”

Improving the strength of sutureless laser-assisted vessel repair using preloaded longitudinal compression on tissue edge

“…Recent research has evaluated the ability of chemical materials, such as glues and/or dyes, to increase laser absorption and thus improve tissue welding strength . Most in vivo studies have used stay sutures , to approximate both edges of vessel segments and to increase tension.…”

“…A review paper published in 2004 identified 37 relevant studies of LAVA/LAVR , and we found additional 31 relevant studies published mainly after 2004 . Of these 68 studies, 26 evaluated LAVA/LAVR without stay sutures . In three of these studies, the edges of both vessel segments were approximated in an over‐wrapped manner using ring type joints or a catheter as core shaft .…”

“…Of these 68 studies, 26 evaluated LAVA/LAVR without stay sutures . In three of these studies, the edges of both vessel segments were approximated in an over‐wrapped manner using ring type joints or a catheter as core shaft . These juxtapositions resulted in tight contact of the edges.…”