<title>Feasibility studies for laser solder neurorrhaphy</title>

Abstract

We present a novel technique of nerve repair attempting to reduce scarring and improve alignment. A laser solder composed of albumin, hyaluronate and indocyanine green dye (peak absorbance 805 nm) was used. After applying solder to the anastomotic site, nerve ends can be precisely aligned and sealed in place using an 81 0 nm diode laser. Transected sciatic nerves in the rat were used as the experimental model. Laser repairs had approximately half the immediate strength of suture repairs (130 vs. 280 g/cm) but comparable strength by 7 days (270 vs. 250 g/cm2). There was no dehiscence in either group. Thermal damage was confined to the solder and epineurium. At 90 days there was no difference in nerve conduction values or axon counts in suture or laser repairs. Histology was suggestive of a later stage of regeneration in the laser group. Laser soldering produces increased strength compared with traditional laser welding with less thermal injury. Laser soldering could provide a viable alternative to sutured nerve repair with the advantages of greater ease and speed as well as less tissue injury and an improved functional result.

Improved vascular tissue fusion using new light-activated surgical adhesive on a canine model

“…7 Current laser repair technology makes use of chromophore-enhanced protein solders. [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] Laser tissue soldering is a bonding technique in which protein solder is applied to the tissue surfaces to be joined, and laser energy is used to bond the solder to the tissue surfaces. The addition of protein solders to augment tissue repair procedures significantly reduces the problems of low strength and thermal damage associated with laser tissue welding techniques.…”