Tissue Welding Using (800±10nm) Diode and (1064nm) Nd: YAG Lasers

Abstract

Joining tissue is a growing problem in surgery with the advancement of the technology and more precise and difficult surgeries are done. Tissue welding using laser is a promising technique that might help in more advancement of the surgical practice. Objectives: To study the ability of laser in joining tissues and the optimum parameters for yielding good welding of tissues. Methods: An in-vitro study, done at the Institute of Laser, Baghdad University during the period from October 2008 to February 2009. Diode and Nd-YAG lasers were applied, using different sessions, on sheep small intestine with or without solder to obtain welding of a 2-mm length full thickness incision. Different powers and energies were used to get maximum effect. Results: Welding of sheep intestine had been achieved by Nd-YAG laser 1064 nm at 400 and 500 mJ and PRR 4Hz, using human albumin 20% as a solder. Welding failed using the diode laser 4W for 10 min with albumin and indocyanine green. Conclusion: Laser may be useful tool in certain condition for joining tissue and wound closure. This is important because in certain circumstances no other technique is feasible for wound closure.