Use of Lasers for Closure of Cutaneous Wounds: Experience with Nd:YAG, Argon and CO₂ Lasers

Abstract

The concept of tissue fusion by laser has been recently established. In this study, we have examined the skin welding by laser and tested the efficacy of four different lasers for this application. The results attest to the feasibility of the procedure and suggest that laser welding may represent an alternative for closure of cutaneous wounds.

Laser soldering of rat skin, using fiberoptic temperature controlled system

“…They are, in principle, faster and easier to master, than standard suturing and they form an immediate watertight seal. They are less traumatic to tissues, because they cause much less foreign body reactions [1], and they will potentially lead to faster wound healing [3] and better cosmetic results [4,5]. Moreover, laser welding or soldering will easily lend itself for endoscopic applications [1].…”

“…Garden et al [6] studied laser welding of skin, using low output CO 2 laser. Abergel et al [4], using argon, Nd:YAG (1.06, 1.32 mm), and CO 2 lasers. Both researchers had found low initial tensile strength, compared with sutures, but better cosmetic results.…”

Management of heat in laser tissue welding using NIR cover window material

“…LTW using native tissue absorbers reduces the risk of infection or foreign body reactions. Much of the LTW research using native tissue absorbers has focused on using either CO 2 lasers 16–18, or in Alfano's group near infrared (NIR) lasers tuned to vibrational combination modes of water around 1,455 nm 3, 5, 7.…”

Relationship between apposition pressure during welding and tensile strength of the acute weld

“…Previous laser skin welding studies have focused on optimizing the laser and optical parameters such as wavelength, power, spot size, and pulse duration to maximize bond strength and minimize thermal damage to surrounding tissue [1][2][3][4][5][6]. In addition, other studies investigated the use of adhesives and dyes to improve weld results [7][8][9].…”