Feasibility studies for laser solder neurorrhaphy

摘要

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 810 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$+2$/) but comparable strength by 7 days (270 vs 250 g/cm$+2$/). 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. !8