CO2 Laser-Assisted Vascular Anastomosis in Animals / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

ABSTRACT

Laser-assisted vascular anastomosis (LAVA) of arteries and veins in mongrel dogs was performed using a low-powered carbon dioxide laser. The anastomotic site was irradiated at a point 10mm distal from focus and the beam at this point was 0.8mmφ in diameter. Adequate laser power for anastomosis was 160-200mW for arteries and 120-160mW for veins, and the required duration of radiation was 5-10sec per 1mm anastomotic length for both vessels. In arteries successful anastomosis was achieved by LAVA in 44% of transverse incisions and 65% of longitudinal incisions, compared to 65% and 95% for veins, respectively. LAVA ruptured at a pressure of 102±28mmHg on average in arteries and 77±24mmHg in veins. However, LAVA reinforced with etyl 2-cyanoacrylate were safe at high pressures more than 300mmHg in arteries. Follow up has been achieved in 99 anastomotic sites for 9 months. No stenosis, occlusion, thrombus or infection were found apart from one (1%) pseudoaneurysm formation 4 months after LAVA. Angioscopic views and histological findings of anastomotic tissue welded by mean of LAVA revealed good layer-to-layer continuity of the three-layer structure of arterial wall. LAVA seems to be a useful method for vascular anastomosis.